David Bushnell built both the first submarine and the first underwater bomb at the same time to support the Continental Army.
The Manhattan Well Murder - People v. Levi Weeks
The People v. Levi Weeks was the first documented murder trial in American History.
The Fatigue of Such a March - Joseph Frye Retires
Joseph Frye was a Brigadier General in the Continental Army who resigned early in the war due to failing health and old age.
Did the Constitutional Convention Overstep its Instructions?
James Madison wrote Federalist #40 to dissuade critics of the Constitution from thinking the Convention overstepped its instructions.
After Espionage - Benjamin Tallmadge's Last Stand
Benjamin Tallmadge is famous for leading George Washington’s top spy ring. However, he also had a long and successful career afterward.
The Least Appreciated Fight of the Revolutionary War - The Battle of Short Hills
The Battle of Short Hills wasn’t so much of a battle…more like a narrow escape from a fateful trick.
Abolition in Massachusetts - Theodore Sedgwick Takes The Case
Of the many contributions to the American Founding provided by Theodore Sedgwick, none surpass his efforts to abolish slavery in Massachusetts.
Does the US Have a FEDERAL or NATIONAL Government? - Federalist #39
In Federalist #39 James Madison discusses how the Government under the Constitution would be part Federal and part National.
Let's Steal Their Cannons - The Hearts of Oak and Hamilton's First Taste of War
The Hearts of Oak were a bunch of college kids who started a militia unit. One of those kids was Alexander Hamilton.
The Revolution's First Blood - Isaac Sears and the Battle of Golden Hill
The Battle of Golden Hill was more of a standoff than a battle, but it was the first time blood was drawn between Patriots and Redcoats.
Future Signers in Edinburgh - The Persuasive Richard Stockton
Declaration signer Richard Stockton met with several other signers a decade before the revolution on matters of education.
No Promotion - Charles Thomson Dreams Too Big
Charles Thomson was Secretary to the Continental Congress throughout the Revolutionary War, but things became complicated after the Constitution was ratified.
The Same But Better - Madison Loses His Cool in Federalist #38
In Federalist #38 James Madison takes a play from Alexander Hamilton’s book and attacks the Anti-Federalists head on.
Weak and Flighty - The Sentencing of John Wisner
John Wisner was a Captain in the Continental Army who’s actions in the field demonstrated that he was just not made to be a soldier.
Abandoned on Montresor's Island - Michael Jackson's Lone Boat
Colonel Michael Jackson was wounded when his men were abandoned while attacking Montresor’s Island.
The Invisible Army of Horatio Gates
Horatio Gates was given command of the Continental Army in Canada after that army no longer existed.
Madison's Assessment - Compromise and Federalist #37
In Federalist #37 James Madison assesses the difficult situation the Constitution’s Framers found themselves in.
Free Canons - Seth Warner Takes Crown Point
Seth Warner led a segment of the Green Mountain Boys in the capture of Fort Crown Point the day after the Patriots took Fort Ticonderoga.
Pipe Smoke at Oriskany - The Dedication of Nicholas Herkimer
In a situation where other men might have quit the field, Nicholas Herkimer lit a pipe and guided his soldiers to victory.
First Siblings - George Washington's Brothers (And Sister)
One of the least discussed parts of George Washington’s life are his several siblings. Let’s change that.