My Quest To Find John Randolph’s Residence: Tazewell Hall Brought To Light

In 1775, Virginia's Attorney General, John Randolph left for England- and in 2024 I became determined to find his house.

Sep 10, 2024

Introducing the Mission Statement for My American History Blog

Announcing the mission statement for this What American History Is About blog!

Aug 31, 2024

Exploring Bacon’s Castle: A Journey to America’s Oldest Recorded Brick Dwelling in Surry County Virginia

History lovers need to visit Bacon's Castle, the oldest recorded brick building in North America.

Aug 26, 2024

Creating a Brand and Business Through a History Blog: Inspiration and Commitment to My Readers

My promises to readers who love American history! It's what the brand will be built upon.

Aug 19, 2024

A Perspective of 19th Century America From a Woman Who Bought Her Freedom: My Review of Elizabeth Keckley’s View Behind the Scenes

There are many reasons you should read Elizabeth Keckley's Behind the Scenes or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House.

Aug 08, 2024

August 3rd in American History: From Governor Amherst to the Macarena

Every day is loaded with history! So what happened in American history on August 3rd? I've got a list for you.

Aug 03, 2024

Seeing History Firsthand: Jefferson and Lafayette's Letters in Special Collections

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

Aug 02, 2024

Thomas Jefferson Pursuing Happiness: A Review and A Request

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

Jul 31, 2024

Workcation in Essex County: Finding Historical Sites of Early America

As a history blogger, I can't help but seek out historical sites everywhere, including on my workcation in Essex County Virginia!

Jul 25, 2024

On the Minds of 18th Century Americans July 20th: Direct Quotes from the Washingtons, Jefferson and More.

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?

Jul 20, 2024

Primary Sources: July 15th in Daily Life... Early America

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.

Jul 19, 2024

Exploring New Kent County's Historical Society and A Journey to the Grave of First Lady Leticia Christian Tyler

A visit to the New Kent Historical Society helped me find hidden history including one First Lady's church and another's gravesite.

Jul 13, 2024

Have You Read Many Newspapers from Early America? Start Here.

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

Jul 08, 2024

June 29, 1776: The Day Patrick Henry Was Chosen to Be Governor of Virginia

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.

Jun 29, 2024

I Wish I Could Ask Questions of the People From Early America: Thank Goodness We Have Letters and Diaries!

What better way to learn about people from early American history than to read their own words?

Jun 11, 2024

The Final Breakfast: An End to Dunmore and Washington

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

Mar 11, 2024

Anne Geddy: Wife, Mom, and Businesswoman of the 18th Century

Who was Anne Geddy? A wife of an 18th century tradesman who exemplifies her role in the 18th century.

Mar 03, 2024

The Jefferson Triumvirate of Williamsburg

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

Oct 10, 2023

Today I Learned About George Washington From a Scholar Named Peter Henriques

Learning about George Washington took on new meaning through Washington scholar Peter Henriques lecture in Colonial Williamsburg.

Sep 28, 2023

September 21 in American History: The Traitor Becomes a Traitor,  Reagan Speaks and the King of Horror Is Born

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

Sep 18, 2023

4 Things I Learned from the Colonial Williamsburg Gunsmiths- A True Gem of a Trade

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

Sep 15, 2023

The Scotchtown Post: Insight into Patrick Henry and the Place He Lived for a Few Pivotal Years

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

Sep 09, 2023

September 7th: From the 1776 Naval Attack to 2003's Farm Aid 16

What happened on September 7th throughout American history? Get a snapshot of this day in history here.

Sep 06, 2023

Colonial History Learned From the Trees Around Us

What can trees tell you about history? A lot! Start with this post and begin the journey into history through trees.

Sep 05, 2023

Agecroft Hall: The Tudor House that Traveled to Virginia in the 1920s

Reasons to visit the Tudor house that travelled to America during the Gilded Age because of TC and Bessie Williams.

Aug 30, 2023