Did the Pilgrims really have the first American Thanksgiving, or does the honor belong to someone else? It all depends on how you look at it.
Category - American History
The Friendship Between Walter Knott and Walt Disney
Walter Knott created Knott’s Berry Farm, and Walt Disney created Disneyland. Both parks were near each other, but instead of competing, the two Walters became good friends. In fact, they were friends...
The History of Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm is an iconic theme park in Orange County, California. It was begun as a restaurant in the 1930s, owned and operated by the Knott family to raise extra money to support their berry...
The Rise of Iconic U.S. Lighthouses
Lighthouses are an iconic part of Americana that have a rich history stemming back to ancient Egypt. Let me show you some of the history behind them!
The Iconic Packard Automobiles and America’s Packard Museum
Packard cars were among the most iconic American automobiles ever made—and there’s a beautiful Dayton museum devoted to them. Learn more about it here!
Celebrating Our National Heritage: A History of the 4th of July
You know we celebrate our nation’s independence on the 4th of July. But, do you know how this holiday came to be? When was it first celebrated? What is its true meaning? Let me share with you this...
The Wright Brothers: How They Became Aviation Pioneers
Do you know the story of the Wright brothers? They are the inventors of controlled, manned flight. This is their story, and how they became aviation pioneers.
Do You Remember Your First Television?
You've probably grown up watching television. But, did you ever wonder how it was invented? Or, who invented it? It's a fascinating story. Here are the details.
Have You Heard of Calamity Jane?
You've probably heard of Calamity Jane. But how much of her real life story do you know? While much of her life is still speculation, what we do know is wild.
Morse Code and the Telegraph
Today's modern telecommunications have origins reaching back almost 200 years. Here's the story...
The Surprise Missouri Earthquake of 1811
The Missouri area experienced a devastating earthquake in 1811. Here's what effect the earthquake had on the area, and why there was even a large earthquake there in the first place.
The Creation and History of the YMCA
It is the name of a popular song by The Village People, but the YMCA is far more than that. It is a group that goes back more than one and a half centuries. It was created to provide wholesome...
The Long Winter of 1880-1881: When the West Froze
The West froze during the winter of 1880-1881. Here's the story.
The French and the Fur Trade: Before American Colonization
The French were interacting with North American Natives for a century before the English. Here's how they established friendly relations and learned each others' languages.
Modern Communication: A History of the Telephone
The telephone was invented earlier than most people may realize. By 1900, it was already present in some private households.