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Category - American History

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The Birth of the U.S. Navy

The history of the U.S. Navy is longer than the history of the United States. It's even longer than the idea of the United States.

A History of Plymouth Rock

Do you know where the rock in the Plymouth Rock monument originates? Is it really the place Pilgrims first set foot in America? Here's the real story.

The History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May and is meant to celebrate and honor those who fell during service with the U.S. military. The point of the holiday is clear, but its origins are...

A History of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse

The Roanoke Marshes lighthouse is a replica of the third lighthouse to stand on its site. There are a lot of reasons why lighthouses were important structures in coastal areas in the past. They are...

The History of Presidents’ Day

Presidents' Day is a holiday that is celebrated in February, and usually means a day off work or school for many people. It is also highly associated with retail sales, as many businesses hold a...

Carleton Watkins and Mammoth Plate Photography

Carleton Watkins was a well-known American photographer of the mid to late 1800s. Carleton is most famous for his use of mammoth plate photography in photographing Yosemite, as well as the giant...

The History of the Bodie Island Lighthouse

The Bodie Island lighthouse is an important historical landmark in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina. It is actually the third lighthouse to sit on that island, and has recently undergone...

The Intriguing Bodie Ghost Town

Do you know about Bodie? It is one of the best-preserved examples of the original Old West in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about Bodie.

The Military Service of Jimmy Stewart

Jimmy Stewart is an American actor best known for playing George Bailey in the classic Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. Yet, there was way more to Jimmy Stewart than just a famous movie role...

The History Behind the Dixie Terminal

The Dixie Terminal is one of Cincinnati’s best-kept secrets. Learn all about this landmark here — the architecture, the artwork, and of course, the history.