On April 19, 1775 a shot was fired as the British soldiers marched through Lexington and Concord. It became known as the shot heard round the world.

Elyse Werling's work as Director of Interpretation and Collections at Preservation Virginia puts her up close and personal with the celebration of America's 250th!

Visiting the Jessie Ball duPont Memorial Library will give you the opportunity to see Revolutionary and Civil War history come alive.

March 23rd of 2025 is the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous 'Liberty or Death' speech. And this blog is celebrating it!

On January 29, 1785, John Jay, the new Foreign Secretary, announced his office was open for business.

In the What American History Is About blog's first interview, historian and podcaster Dr. Gordon Blaine Steffey shares his mission, his story, and his love for Stratford Hall.

As we kick off 2025, the What American History Is About blog reviews the 25th years of the last 400 years.

What do history lovers Google? Check out the most popular posts of 2024 on the What American History Is About blog!

On December 12, 1775, an espionage revolution began with a letter sent to Arthur Lee.

Have you visited Stratford Hall? I recommend it for history lovers and here is why.

On this Thanksgiving Day, take a moment to read the words of General George Washington.

Before you head out to visit a historic site, get prepared! Read my 5 tips to make your visit memorable.

I want everyone to have access to history. It's why I've chosen to partner with two companies: one for finding history on the go and one for learning history at home.

Patrick Henry said so much more than Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death. He talked about being an American!

Our first President's farewell message is full of inspiration and insight to think about. At election time and always!

Continuing the celebration of American's favorite Frenchman: Major General and Marquis de Lafayette during the 200th anniversary his Farewell Tour of the United States.

Get a factual history of Patrick Henry's first marriage to Sarah Shelton, whose mental health was agonizing.

Our 4th US President, James Madison was as complex as any of our founding fathers. Here are 3 perfect insights to introduce him to history lovers.

While history is happening, I'm taking a look back at what happened on September 27th in American history.

History is made up of humans. It's why reading 18th century perspectives of the American Revolution is fascinating!

Living history museums not only bring the past to life, but preserve trades and immerse you in the past. Visit one!

Do you love early American homes? I do. And I'm into learning the history behind the buildings.

Explore the homes and buildings that make up Patrick Henry's Virginia in a masterful work by Mark Couvillon

Sometimes you just want to actually see a letter in person. Especially if it was written by someone like Thomas Jefferson.

What was Thomas Jefferson thinking as he penned the Declaration of Independence? Colonial Williamsburg may have a performance that offers insight.

Cornwallis' retreat was brought to Washington's attention and Jefferson was discussing the value of books. What else was happening on July 20th in American history?

Primary sources exist for July 15th and every day! Check out diary entries from George Washington and letters written during the American Revolution- all around July 15th.

Thanks to the Special Collections of Colonial Williamsburg, I saw Patrick Henry's Stamp Act Resolves!

Early American newspapers chronicle America in a unique way- and the Library of Congress gives us all access for free.

On June 29th 1776, the summer of American Independence, Patrick Henry became the first non-royal governor of Virginia. Read the words he had for those who chose him.

How are an 18th century mace from South Carolina, silversmithing, and Colonial Williamsburg's 2026 celebration connected?

For my 87th post on this American history blog, let's look at 1687, 1787 and 1987 in American history.

King George III responded with Intolerable Acts and other bits of American history that happened on May 20th.

The history of horses in American society is long. If you want a glimpse into their existence during the American Revolutionary War, this post is for you.

If you're an American history nerd, this post highlighting events from March 29th is for you!

What better way to peek into daily life during the Revolutionary era than seeing what was advertised in Williamsburg's Virginia Gazette?

The March 2024 event in Colonial Williamsburg that was the ultimate immersion into American history.

If you haven't gotten to know the Marquis de Lafayette, 2024 is the year as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his 1824 American tour.

New research is shining more light onto the friendship between George Washington and Virginia's last Royal Governor.

Michael and Jennifer Cecere's Witness to the Revolution is an historical fiction novel you don't want to miss.

As we kick off 2024, the What American History Is About blog reviews the 24th years of the last 400 years.

On December 15th 1781, Williamsburg celebrated the victory at Yorktown. What else happened on this day in history?

The best podcasts to learn American history from use primary sources.

No matter how you do it, take the time to honor veterans of the U.S. Military and their families - every day of the year.

3 primary sources that are just as important as the Declaration of Independence in our American history.

Celebrate the victory at Yorktown this October and every October!

Who influenced, supported, and taught Thomas Jefferson? Meet his Williamsburg triumvirate and get a taste.

Have you met James Armistead Lafayette? He was the spy who helped us at Yorktown and shouldn't be forgotten.

What if our founding fathers procrastinated? My personal procrastination on a marketing project inspired a post about decisions to take action in American history.

When did Benedict Arnold become a traitor to America? September 21st 1780. See what else happened that day!

Let's have a quick chat about the 13 colonies to put this American history blog in context.

The Colonial Williamsburg gunsmiths make early American guns lock, stock, and barrel and share insight into the era!

Have you visited Patrick Henry's Scotchtown? He only lived there for a few years, but they were pivotal ones.

Have you visited the ancestral home of 2 presidents? Take a peek into the Harrison home in Charles City Virginia and soak in some history.

What thoughts did Washington have about our United States after eight years as President? Start grabbing some history here.

What happened in American history on August 7th? A few events to talk about at the water cooler and at the dinner table!

Do you know Peyton Randolph died so John Hancock's signature replaced his? I'm sharing 3 names from American history you may not know but should.

Past meets present when you visit the Raleigh Tavern, an 18th century reconstruction showing off the Daphne and Apollo rooms, where liberty happened.

If we are talking about American history, Wreaths Across America's Mobile Education Exhibit deserves a mention.

How did music start out in early America? It was all-American from the beginning!

If we're discussing what American history is about, liberty must be discussed as we celebrate Independence Day.

The Marquis de Lafayette, Washington's friend for life and why we should honor him on Independence Day.