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French Pirate, American Hero

Last of the great Pirates of the Gulf, the legend of Jean Laffite is well known in Louisiana. We know little about his first 20 years, but by 21 we know that he had survived two duels. Ever been to  the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant in New Orleans? That’s where Laffite fought 3 more […]

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“First in the Hearts of His Countrymen:”Light Horse Harry’s Eulogy to Washington

“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” These famous eloquent words about George Washington come from a eulogy written by Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee. Light Horse Harry was a highly-decorated officer in the Continental Army, member of the Continental Congress, governor of Virginia, father of the famous

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The Green Mountain Boys

Americans from all 13 Colonies – now all states in the U.S. –  played vital roles in the War of Independence.  But the first rebel victory of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga, was won by a militia of less than 100 men, known as the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont.   Ethan

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The Bear Flag Revolt

Things were tense on the West Coast in 1846. California was Mexican territory, but American settlers were a growing population. Mexico had reason to worry. They had already lost Texas to rebellion. When word reached California that a Mexican-American war was approaching, the California Americans were concerned the Mexican army might strike them first. American

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15 States with Strange Flag Rules

The 50-Star Flag, also known as the ‘Stars and Stripes’, became the United States official flag on Monday, July 4, 1960, following Executive Order No. 10834 of the Late President Dwight Eisenhower. Prior to the Executive Order published on Tuesday, August 25, 1959, the United States recognized both of the 48-Star Flag and the 49-Star

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