The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, & caused a lot of controversy for President Thomas Jefferson. Here's why it was controversial.
Category - American History
The French and Native American Relations
The French enjoyed much better relations with Native Americans than other European groups when they first came to American shores. Here are the reasons why.
The Last Holdout of the Confederacy
Town Line is a tiny hamlet in upstate New York near the Canadian border that inexplicably voted to secede and join the Confederacy during the Civil War. No one knows why to this day. Here is the...
The Birth of Lincoln Logs
Have you ever played with Lincoln Logs? Did you ever wonder about their history? It is a long and fascinating one. Here's the story behind this popular toy.
The American Orphan Trains
What were the Orphan Trains and what did they do for children? It's an intriguing story. It's considered the precursor to modern foster care in America.
The Pepperoni Roll and Its Origins: GeneFoods #3
What is a pepperoni roll, and why might it be important to your genealogical research? Discover all about this food and its connection to genealogy here.
Leif Eriksson: The Famous Viking Explorer
Leif Eriksson was the first known European to set foot in North America, approximately 500 years before Columbus. Here's this Viking's fascinating story.
James A. Garfield: America’s Extraordinary 20th President
Who was James A. Garfield, other than America’s 20th president? He is mostly remembered for being assassinated while in office, but there is so much more to this highly accomplished man than that one...
Women in the Civil War
Did you know women played a large and important roles in the Civil War? They did. And it wasn't just by keeping the home fires burning. They were real soldiers.
WWII Japanese American Internment and Relocation Records in the National Archives
Do you have Japanese American ancestry? If so, learn more about Japanese internment during WWII, and records concerning the real people involved.
Oregon Trail Ancestry: Did Your Ancestors Travel the Trail?
What was the Oregon Trail? Here's what you need to know about this important part of American History, and how you can discover whether your ancestors traveled it.
History of the US Passport Application
The history of passports in the United States is an interesting one, and one that may assist with your genealogical research. Here's what you need to know.
The Biltmore: A Beautiful Piece of American History
The Biltmore Estate is a unique and beautiful piece of American architecture, with a fascinating history. Here's why you should make a point to visit it.
How Theodore Roosevelt Developed His Cowboy Reputation
Theodore Roosevelt is an American icon and one of our better-known presidents. This is the story of how he became that way, going from rich boy to cowboy.
The History of the Confederate Flag
Are you interested in the Confederate flag, for genealogical or historical reasons? Here is the real history of the flag and how it came to be.