Today in American History: September 4th, 1862

Robert E. Lee and 55,000 Confederate soldiers cross the Potomac invading the North. His invasion culminates with Antietam two weeks later.

When's the last time you had a refresher on the Maryland Campaign? Let's explore 🧵 Background

In the summer of 1862, General Robert E. Lee, commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, sought to capitalize on recent victories in the Seven Days Battles and Second Bull Run. With the Confederacy bolstered by these successes, Lee aimed to invade the North, hoping to shift the war’s momentum, gain European recognition, and pressure the Union into negotiations. The Maryland Campaign, launched in early September, was Lee’s first invasion of Union territory, targeting Maryland, a border state with mixed loyalties.

Lee believed a victory on Northern soil could sway Maryland’s populace to support the Confederacy and disrupt Union morale. His army, numbering around 55,000 men, crossed the Potomac River on September 4, 1862, but faced logistical challenges, including supply shortages and straggling troops. Union General George B. McClellan, leading the Army of the Potomac, pursued Lee cautiously, unaware of the full Confederate plan until a stroke of luck—the discovery of Lee’s Special Order 191—revealed Lee’s divided forces. This campaign set the stage for a pivotal moment in the Civil War, testing both commanders’ strategic acumen.

Today in American History: September 2nd, 1864

Union General William Tecumseh Sherman captures the southern stronghold of Atlanta.

But why was Atlanta such a key target for the Union war effort? Let's explore 🧵 The Importance of Atlanta to the Confederacy

Atlanta was a vital hub for the Confederacy, serving as a major transportation and logistics center due to its extensive railroad network, which connected the South’s eastern and western regions. It was a key industrial city, producing weapons, ammunition, and supplies critical for the Confederate war effort, including the Atlanta Rolling Mill, one of the South’s largest ironworks. The city’s warehouses stored vast quantities of food, clothing, and medical supplies, sustaining Confederate armies.

Atlanta’s strategic location made it a linchpin for moving troops and resources across the Confederacy. Its capture would severely disrupt Confederate supply lines and morale, given its symbolic importance as a thriving Southern city. Losing Atlanta risked splitting the Confederacy geographically and economically, making it a prime target for Union forces.

Today in American History: August 26th, 1863

Confederate Forces under Colonel George S. Patton defeat the Union at the Battle of Rocky Gap.

Everyone knows "Old Blood and Guts" from WW2, but did you know his grandfather was a Confederate Civil War hero? Let's explore! 🧵 Early Life and American Heritage

George Smith Patton, born on November 26, 1833, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, hailed from a prominent family with deep American roots. His grandfather, Robert Patton, was a Revolutionary War veteran, and his father, John Mercer Patton, served as a U.S. Congressman and acting governor of Virginia. Raised in a household steeped in Southern aristocratic traditions, Patton was educated at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), graduating in 1852.

His early life was shaped by Virginia’s plantation culture and a strong sense of duty to family and state. The Patton family’s wealth and influence, derived from land and legal prominence, instilled in him a commitment to leadership and honor. This heritage would later resonate with his descendants, particularly in their shared martial spirit.

Today in American History: August 7th, 1794

President George Washington activates the militia to put down the Whiskey Rebellion!

Read more here about this anti-tax rebellion in Western Pennsylvania and the only time a sitting President lead an army in the field.🧵 Origins of the Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794)

The Whiskey Rebellion began in 1791 when the U.S. federal government, under Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, imposed an excise tax on distilled spirits to fund Revolutionary War debts. Western Pennsylvania farmers, who relied heavily on distilling whiskey from surplus grain for income, were hit hard by this tax, viewing it as an unfair burden. Small-scale farmers and distillers, already struggling economically, saw the tax as favoring wealthy eastern elites and large distillers.

Tensions grew as tax collectors faced resistance, ranging from petitions to outright violence. By 1794, frustration boiled over into organized opposition, with farmers refusing to pay and forming militias to resist federal authority. This set the stage for a direct challenge to the new federal government’s power.

Today in American History: August 3rd, 1923

Calvin Coolidge is sworn in as President following the death of Warren G. Harding!

An often overlooked but underrated President, Coolidge has gained more attention recently because of his immigration reforms. Let's explore! VP, Harding’s Death, Coolidge Sworn In:

Calvin Coolidge became Vice President in 1921, serving under President Warren G. Harding after their landslide victory in the 1920 election. Harding’s administration was marred by scandals, notably the Teapot Dome affair, which eroded public trust. On August 2, 1923, Harding died suddenly of a heart attack while on a western tour.

Coolidge, vacationing at his family home in Vermont, was sworn in as the 30th President by his father, a notary public, in the early hours of August 3, 1923. The modest ceremony, lit by a kerosene lamp, symbolized Coolidge’s unassuming nature. He quickly moved to restore confidence in the presidency amidst Harding’s tarnished legacy.

Today in American History: August 1st, 1781

The British arrive at Yorktown!

Two months later America will defeat the British and a humiliated Cornwallis will surrender to George Washington. Read more here about the battle where America earned its independence! Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Yorktown (September 28 – October 19, 1781) was a pivotal engagement in the American Revolutionary War. By 1781, the war between the American colonies and Britain had dragged on for six years, with the British seeking to maintain control over the southern colonies. British General Lord Charles Cornwallis established a fortified position at Yorktown, Virginia, aiming to secure a deep-water port for resupply and naval support. Meanwhile, General George Washington, commanding the Continental Army, and his French ally, General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, saw an opportunity to trap Cornwallis.

The French navy, under Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse, gained control of the Chesapeake Bay, cutting off British naval support. Washington and Rochambeau marched their combined forces south from New York, coordinating with French troops and militia to encircle Yorktown. This convergence of American and French strategy set the stage for a decisive siege.

American Legend: Daniel Boone

Politico says that Heritage Americans are obsessed with Daniel Boone, and you know what, they're right!

When's the last time you read about the life of this legendary American frontiersman? See more below! Early Life and Family (1734–1750s)

Daniel Boone was born on November 2, 1734, in a log cabin in Berks County, Pennsylvania, to a family of Quaker settlers. His father, Squire Boone, was a weaver and blacksmith, instilling in young Daniel a strong work ethic and practical skills. Growing up on the frontier, Boone learned to hunt and track game by age 12, becoming adept with a rifle.

His family’s move to North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley in 1750 exposed him to the rugged beauty of the American wilderness. This early immersion in frontier life shaped Boone’s love for exploration and self-reliance, qualities that would define his legacy. He married Rebecca Bryan in 1756, starting a family that grounded his adventurous spirit.

Today in American History: July 30th, 1945

Horror on the seas!

The USS Indianapolis sinks, stranding 900 sailors in shark invested waters. Over the course of the next 4 days they'll try to survive one of the worst mass shark attacks in human history. Read more here! Delivering Parts for the Atom Bombs

In July 1945, the USS Indianapolis, a Portland-class heavy cruiser, was tasked with a top-secret mission to deliver components for the atomic bombs to be used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Departing from San Francisco, the ship carried enriched uranium and other critical parts for "Little Boy," the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The mission was highly classified, with the crew unaware of the cargo’s exact nature. After successfully delivering the components to Tinian Island on July 26, 1945, the Indianapolis was ordered to sail to Guam and then to Leyte in the Philippines for training. The swift delivery was crucial, as it ensured the U.S. could proceed with the planned bombings to hasten the end of World War II.

Heroes of the Revolution: "Light-Horse Harry" Lee

Everyone knows about the exploits of legendary Confederate General Robert E. Lee, but did you know that his father was a hero of the American Revolution? Let's explore Family Heritage and Early Life:

Henry Lee III, born on January 29, 1756, in Dumfries, Virginia, hailed from the prominent Lee family, known for its influence in colonial Virginia politics and society. His father, Henry Lee II, was a respected planter and county official, while his mother, Lucy Grymes, connected the family to Virginia’s elite.

Growing up at Leesylvania plantation, Henry was immersed in a world of privilege and education, attending the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) where he excelled academically. His early exposure to revolutionary ideals shaped his patriotic fervor, influenced by his family’s involvement in Virginia’s governance. By his late teens, Lee was well-prepared for a military career, inheriting both social standing and a sense of duty to the emerging American cause.

American Legends: Samuel Colt

"God made man, Samuel Colt made all men equal"

Happy Birthday to Samuel Colt, born on this day in 1814 and best known for advancing weapons technology with his revolver. How much do you know about his life? Let's explore Family Background and Early Life:

Samuel Colt was born on July 19, 1814, in Hartford, Connecticut, into a family of modest means with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. His father, Christopher Colt, was a textile manufacturer, while his mother, Sarah Caldwell Colt, died when Samuel was young, leaving a lasting emotional impact. Raised in a blended family after his father’s remarriage, Colt was one of seven siblings, though several died young. His family’s New England roots tied him to a culture of innovation and industry, which shaped his ambitions. The Colts were not wealthy, but their mercantile background instilled in Samuel a drive for business success. His early exposure to mechanical processes in his father’s factory sparked his lifelong fascination with machinery.

Today in American History: July 18th, 1863

Glory! The Battle of Fort Wagner

If you ever seen the movie Glory staring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman you might be familiar with this battle and the role of Black troops in the Massachusetts 54th but how much do you know about the real story? Let's explore Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Fort Wagner, fought on July 18, 1863, was a significant engagement during the American Civil War, occurring near Charleston, South Carolina. Union forces aimed to capture Fort Wagner, a Confederate stronghold on Morris Island, to weaken Southern defenses and gain control of Charleston Harbor. The fort was heavily fortified with sand, earthworks, and artillery, making it a formidable target.

Prior to the battle, Union troops, including the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, a prominent Black unit, conducted an earlier assault on July 11, which failed. This set the stage for a second, more coordinated attack, led by Brigadier General Quincy Adams Gillmore, with the 54th Massachusetts playing a central role.

Today in American History: July 17th, 1898

Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!

Spanish troops surrender at Santiago de Cuba, effectively ending major hostilities in the Spanish-American War and setting the stage for Cuban independence.

Everyone knows about Teddy and his Rough Riders, but how much do you know about the rest of the Spanish-American War? Let's explore Background and Leadup:

By the late 19th century, Spain’s once-mighty empire was in steep decline, struggling to maintain control over its dwindling colonies, including Cuba and the Philippines. The Cuban independence movement, fueled by decades of brutal Spanish rule, gained momentum with uprisings like the Ten Years’ War (1868–1878) and the growing rebellion in the 1890s, which exposed Spain’s weakening grip. American imperial ambitions were rising, driven by a desire to expand influence and secure economic interests in the Caribbean and Pacific.

The U.S. public, stirred by sensationalist newspapers, sympathized with Cuban rebels fighting for freedom, viewing Spain as a cruel, outdated colonial power. American businesses, eyeing Cuban markets and resources, pushed for intervention, while leaders like Theodore Roosevelt saw a chance to flex U.S. military might. This convergence of Spanish decline, Cuban resistance, and American expansionism set the stage for conflict, with the U.S. poised to champion liberty and assert dominance.

Heroes of the Revolution: Marquis de Lafayette

What if I told you a 19 year old French Noble would leave his homeland to fight for the American cause, become one of Washingtons most trusted Generals, and leave a legacy such that over 40 towns in the US bear his name? Let's explore Family and Early Life:

Marquis de Lafayette was born Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier on September 6, 1757, into a wealthy noble family in Chavaniac, France. His family, the Motiers, were part of the French aristocracy, with a long tradition of military service, including ancestors who fought in the Crusades and alongside Joan of Arc. Orphaned at 13 after his father died in battle and his mother passed away, Lafayette inherited vast wealth, elevating his status in French society.

He received military training at the prestigious Military Academy of Versailles, where he developed skills in strategy and leadership. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the American colonies’ fight for liberty, he defied French authorities to join the American Revolution, seeking glory and a chance to advance the cause of freedom.

Today in American History: July 15th, 1918

The Second Battle of the Marne!

The Kaiser launches his last major offensive of WW1 but runs into the US 3rd division nicknamed "The Rock of the Marne".

Read more here about Uncle Sam's Doughboys whippin the Hun! Background and Lead-up:

The United States, eager to avenge the Lusitania, entered World War I in April 1917, bringing fresh energy to the Allied cause. By mid-1918, the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), under General John J. Pershing, had rapidly mobilized and trained, ready to make a decisive impact. The German Spring Offensive of 1918 threatened to overrun Allied lines, but the arrival of American troops bolstered French and British resolve.

With nearly a million U.S. soldiers in France by July, their enthusiasm and growing numbers shifted the momentum. The Second Battle of the Marne, launched on July 15, 1918, offered the U.S. a chance to showcase its military prowess and commitment to victory.

Today in American History: July 9th, 1755

The Battle of Monongahela!

While a disastrous defeat for the British during the French and Indian War, a young George Washington distinguishes himself in the battle, foreshadowing the great man we all know and love. Let's Explore The Battle of Monongahela:

The Battle of Monongahela, fought on July 9, 1755, was a significant engagement during the French and Indian War, part of the broader Seven Years’ War. British General Edward Braddock led approximately 1,400 troops, including British regulars and colonial militia, to capture the French Fort Duquesne near modern-day Pittsburgh. The British force, marching in a rigid, European-style formation, was ambushed by a smaller but agile force of French soldiers, Canadian militia, and Indian allies in a dense forest along the Monongahela River.

The French and their allies used guerrilla tactics, firing from concealed positions, which devastated the British, who struggled to adapt to the unconventional warfare. Braddock’s army suffered a catastrophic defeat, with over 900 casualties, including Braddock himself, while the French and Indian forces lost fewer than 40 men. This disaster exposed British vulnerabilities in frontier warfare and emboldened French and Indian resistance.

Today in American History: July 8th, 1853

Commander Matthew Perry sails his Black Ships into Edo Bay, near Tokyo, shocking the Japanese and effectively ending 200 years of Japanese isolationism.

But why was America concerned about Japan in the 1850s? Let's explore Background and Goals:

In the mid-19th century, the United States, fueled by Manifest Destiny and expanding commercial ambitions, sought to open Japan, a mysterious and isolated nation, to American trade and influence. Japan’s sakoku policy, enforced since 1635, barred foreigners and limited trade, frustrating America’s growing need for Pacific coaling stations and markets for its burgeoning industries. Commodore Matthew Perry, a seasoned naval officer, was chosen by President Millard Fillmore to lead a bold mission to end Japan’s seclusion.

The U.S. aimed to secure a treaty for trade, protect shipwrecked American sailors, and establish a strategic foothold in Asia to rival European powers. Perry’s expedition, armed with modern steamships and a resolve to project American power, was a testament to the nation’s confidence in its global destiny. His mission, launched in 1852, was to deliver a letter from Fillmore demanding diplomatic relations and to negotiate with force if necessary.

Today in American History: July 7th, 1798

War with France!

The U.S. Congress withdraws from the Treaty of Alliance, sparking the Quasi-War. Read more here about America's first conflict with another nation after independence. 🧵 Background and Leadup:

The Quasi-War emerged from tensions between the United States and France during the French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802). The U.S., neutral in the conflict between France and Britain, faced French hostility due to the 1794 Jay Treaty, which aligned the U.S. closer to Britain. French privateers began seizing American merchant ships, claiming the U.S. was aiding their enemies, with over 300 ships captured by 1797.

The U.S. sought diplomacy, but the XYZ Affair—where French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats—outraged the U.S. public and government. This diplomatic failure, coupled with French aggression at sea, pushed the U.S. toward conflict. By 1798, Congress authorized military preparations, setting the stage for an undeclared war.

Today in American History: July 6th, 1908

American explorer Robert Peary departs for the North Pole, 9 months later he becomes the first man to reach it!

America is a nation of explorers but the artic expeditions of the early 20th are often overlooked, let's explore! 🧵 Background:

Robert Peary, a distinguished American naval officer and explorer, dedicated his career to conquering the Arctic, driven by a patriotic zeal to plant the Stars and Stripes at the North Pole. His earlier expeditions, starting in the 1880s, showcased his resilience and navigational genius, earning him national admiration.

By 1908, Peary was a seasoned Arctic veteran, having refined his strategies through seven prior voyages. His unwavering determination made him a symbol of American ambition and ingenuity. The North Pole, an unconquered frontier, represented the ultimate challenge for this heroic explorer. Peary’s mission was fueled by a desire to bring glory to the United States.

Today in American History: July 5th, 1814

The Battle of Chippawa!

Read more here about this lesser known battle during the War of 1812 where the Americans, lead by Winfield Scott, whipped the Brits and Canadians! 🧵 Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Chippawa, fought on July 5, 1814, occurred during the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. It took place near the Niagara River in Upper Canada (modern-day Ontario), a key theater of the conflict. The U.S. aimed to invade British-held Canada to weaken British influence in North America.

By 1814, American forces, under Major General Jacob Brown, had improved training and discipline, particularly in Brigadier General Winfield Scott’s brigade. The British, led by Major General Phineas Riall, sought to defend Upper Canada with a mix of regular troops, Canadian militia, and Indigenous allies. Tensions escalated after American forces crossed the Niagara River on July 3, capturing Fort Erie, prompting Riall to confront the advancing U.S. army.

Today in American History: July 4th, 1776

Independence Day!

249 years ago, our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the greatest nation in human history.

But what does the Declaration really say and why was it so radical? Let's explore🧵 Key Points in the Declaration:

Preamble: The document begins by asserting the necessity of explaining why the colonies sought independence, emphasizing the right of people to alter or abolish a government that fails to serve them.

Natural Rights: It declares that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights, including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

Purpose of Government: Governments exist to secure these rights, and when they become destructive to these ends, the people have the right to overthrow them.

Grievances Against the King: The Declaration lists specific abuses by King George III, such as imposing taxes without consent, dissolving representative bodies, maintaining standing armies in peacetime, and obstructing justice, to justify the break from British rule.

Assertion of Sovereignty: It proclaims the 13 colonies as "Free and Independent States" with the authority to form alliances, wage war, and govern themselves, absolving allegiance to the British Crown.

Unity and Resolve: The document concludes with a pledge by the signers to support independence, relying on divine providence and mutual commitment.

Today in American History: July 3rd, 1863

Union victory at Gettysburg!

On the 3rd and final day of fighting at Gettysburg, Union forces endure Pickett's Charge and prevail over the Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee.

The turning point of the Civil War, read more here🧵 Artillery Barrage:

On July 3, 1863, the Confederate Army unleashed a massive artillery bombardment on Union positions at Cemetery Ridge, involving approximately 150-170 cannons. This intense barrage, lasting nearly two hours, aimed to weaken Union defenses before Pickett’s Charge.

The Union artillery, led by General Henry Hunt, responded sparingly to conserve ammunition, creating the illusion of weakened defenses. Despite the deafening noise and destruction, the Confederate bombardment was largely ineffective, overshooting many targets. This miscalculation set the stage for the failure of the subsequent infantry assault.