american revolution

7 articles

Jun30

1921Why is a statue of George Washington located in London, England?

A striking bronze statue of George Washington stands in front of the National Gallery in London, England, a symbol of reconciliation between two former adversaries. Gifted by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the statue was inaugurated on 30 June 1921 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Virginia’s founding and to foster goodwill after World War I. Uniquely, this monument is an exact replica of Jean-Antoine Houdon's 1796 original, featuring Washington in his Revolutionary uniform beside a plowshare and a bundle of fasces representing the unity of the thirteen states. As the statue marks its 104th anniversary in 2025, it remains a powerful testament to enduring peace and cooperation across the Atlantic.

Aug15

1907Which monument in the United States has the dual distinction of being the oldest 'women's monument' in North Carolina and one of America's tallest monuments dedicated to the women of the Revolution?

At Moores Creek National Battlefield in Pender County, North Carolina, stands the Monument to the Heroic Women of the Lower Cape Fear — the oldest 'women’s monument' in North Carolina and one of the tallest in America dedicated to women of the Revolution. Unveiled on August 15, 1907, this imposing memorial honors the courage and sacrifices of colonial women during a pivotal era in American history. Weighing over 25,000 pounds and reaching more than fifteen feet high, it features a classical marble statue atop Winnsboro blue granite, and remains the only known monument in America dedicated specifically to 18th-century women of the Revolutionary War. The site not only preserves remarkable stories like that of Mary "Polly" Slocumb, but also invites us to reflect on the legacy and recognition of women’s contributions to the nation's founding.

Aug25

1789Which monument in the United States has the distinction of being the only one erected to a woman by women?

The Mary Washington Monument in Fredericksburg, Virginia, stands as the only monument in the United States erected to a woman by women, honoring Mary Ball Washington, mother of George Washington. Its creation signifies the collective efforts of several women's associations, most notably the Daughters of the American Revolution, to preserve and commemorate the memory of a foundational figure in American history. After decades of stalled attempts and setbacks—including damage during the Civil War and the threatened sale of her grave—the monument was finally dedicated on May 10, 1894, before thousands, with President Grover Cleveland presiding. Its Vermont granite obelisk, inscribed “ERECTED BY HER COUNTRY-WOMEN,” remains a unique testament to American motherhood and women's perseverance.

Sep3

1781Who is recognized as the first Colonel of the U.S. Army and was taken prisoner in Canada during the American Revolution?

Brigadier General William Thompson, born in County Meath, Ireland and later a resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the first Colonel commissioned by the Continental Congress for the "army of the United Colonies"—the forerunner of the U.S. Army. Thompson’s military service during the American Revolution was marked by both valor and misfortune; after leading troops at the Battle of Trois-Rivières in Québec on June 8, 1776, he was captured and spent four years as a prisoner of war. His legacy endures through memorials in Carlisle, New York City, and Trois-Rivières, and a striking Celtic cross and commemorative granite slab at his gravesite honor his unique history as both a celebrated officer and a long-imprisoned war hero. On September 3, 2025, his life and legacy will be remembered on the 244th anniversary of his death—more than 250 years after his groundbreaking commission.

Apr19

1775What was the "shot heard round the world"?

The phrase "shot heard round the world" famously comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s "Concord Hymn," commemorating the events at Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775, where the first American victory of the Revolutionary War took place. Although the day's initial shots rang out earlier in Lexington, it was at Concord’s North Bridge that colonial militiamen first returned British fire, signaling a turning point in the fight for independence. This conflict has inspired monuments such as the North Bridge obelisk dedicated in 1837 and Daniel Chester French’s iconic "Minute Man" statue, unveiled a century later in 1875 from melted Civil War cannons. Today, the legacy of these pivotal moments is celebrated each April during Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day festivities, honoring both the struggle and the stories that shaped a nation.

Oct13

1744Who is known as "The Heroine of Monmouth" during the American Revolution?

Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, better known as "Molly Pitcher," is commemorated at her gravesite in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as the legendary Heroine of Monmouth. During the fierce Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778, she famously carried water to thirsty soldiers and took over operating a cannon when her husband collapsed, earning recognition from General George Washington himself. Although she never officially trained as a soldier, her bravery led to a lifelong local legacy—including a six-foot bronze statue unveiled in 1916, whose face was modeled after five of her great-granddaughters. Her story, rooted in fact and embellished by legend, continues to inspire visitors and descendants nearly 250 years after the battle.

Oct30

1735Why is the tomb of U.S. President John Adams draped with a flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes?

The tomb of U.S. President John Adams in Quincy, Massachusetts, is draped with a flag bearing 15 stars and 15 stripes—a design that was official during his presidency from 1797 to 1801. This flag commemorates the era when two new states, Vermont and Kentucky, joined the original thirteen, temporarily changing the nation’s flag. An annual presidential wreath-laying ceremony, a tradition begun under President Lyndon Johnson, continues to honor Adams’ enduring legacy, including the upcoming 291st anniversary of his birth on October 30, 2026.