Historical Tidbits — US Congress chooses New York City as the Federal Capital

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. September 13, 1788 – The US Congress chooses New York City as the Federal Capital under the new US Constitution.  Through the American Revolution the Continental Congress met in …

Historical Tidbits — The Plains of Abraham

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. September 13, 1759 — Battle of Quebec, also called Battle of the Plains of Abraham, was decisive defeat of the French commanded by Marquis de Montcalm by a British …

“And the Rockets’ Red Glare” – Rockets were originally used AGAINST the British in the 18th Century!

Missiles and missile rocket technology is a mainstay in the modern military.  In fact, most modern fighter aircraft have dispensed entirely with guns and typically are armed with various offensive and defensive rocket powered munitions.  While we are all familiar with the Chinese invention of fireworks, it was actually the INDIANS who turned these interesting …

Historical Tidbits — Liberty Bell Leaves Philadelphia

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. September 12, 1777         Liberty Bell Leaves Philadelphia Following the Battle of Brandywine, all the bells other scrap metal in Philadelphia was hauled away so that the bronze in …

Camp Hill and Fort Washington, PA

Following the September 11, 1777 Battle of Brandywine, the British Army occupied Philadelphia. Camp Hill was one of three adjacent hills outside the city held by General George Washington and 11,000 Continental troops, beginning November 2, 1777. The others were Militia Hill, to the west, now part of Fort Washington State Park; and Fort Hill, …

Historical Tidbits — Annapolis Convention

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. September 11, 1786 — Meeting of Commissioners to Remedy Defects of the Federal Government (AKA the Annapolis Convention) convened at Mann’s Tavern in Annapolis, Maryland.  Twelve delegates from five …

Historical Tidbits — BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. September 11, 1777 — BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE: General Sir William Howe and General Charles Cornwallis launch a full-scale British attack on the Patriot outpost at Brandywine Creek near Chadds …

Making Rum

Rum’s origin lies in the 17th century Caribbean Islands.  The first distillation of rum took place on the sugarcane plantations, located on the island of Barbados.  Slaves from the plantations discovered that by fermenting molasses, a byproduct of refining sugarcane, they could create alcohol.  Then by distilling this alcoholic drink, they could create a concentrated …

Basic Colonial Brewing #17 — Make an 18th Century Toast

 “To drink at a table without drinking to the health of someone special, should be considered drinking on the sly, and as an act of incivility.” Throughout history, toasting began after a meal and could last for hours.  Toasts would solidify the bonds of groups, not only through the competitive element of drinking, but by …

A New Name for the New Nation

On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally renamed our nation the United States of America. This replaced the term United Colonies, which had been in general use. In a declaration dated September 9, 1776, the delegates wrote: “That in all continental commissions, and other instruments, where, heretofore, the words ‘United Colonies’ have been used, the …