The “Star-Spangled Banner” becomes the US national anthem (March 3, 1931)

On After witnessing the massive overnight British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key composed the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner” in September 1814 but this did not become our national anthem for another 117 years.  Even though throughout the 19th century, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was regarded as the national …

The Critical Role of Spain in the American Revolution

The American mythology is that George Washington and Marie-Joseph du Motier (Marquis de La Fayette) and the Continental Army defeated Charles Cornwallis (also a Marquess) at Yorktown in October of 1781 and the British immediately surrendered and went home.  It’s a nice story but it does not pass the sniff test. Why would Brittan surrender.  …

Historical Tidbits

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. March 1, 1781Our nation’s first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, was ratified by Congress. Under these articles, Congress is the sole governing body of the national government and all …

THE BILL OF RIGHTS: A BRIEF HISTORY #6

Insurrections often are propagated upon misinformation.   So too are the most recent band of domestic terrorist who like to hide behind our most sacred American institutions.  In this series, I want to explore the Bill of Rights and why some of the hype and hyperbole thrown around by the extremist is not just wrong but …

Trying my Hand at Gin

During the month of February, the Regimental Brewmeister is trying his hand at producing gin.  Yes, this is distilled and NO, you cannot try some but I am finding that gin is incredibly easy to make and easy to make well. https://videopress.com/v/dYaM5Qcj?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Gin’s core ingredient, juniper, has been combined with alcohol as far back as …

Historical Tidbits

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. February 27, 1776            Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge The royal governor of North Carolina, Josiah Martin, began to muster the Loyalist militia in order to suppress the unrest including …

THE BILL OF RIGHTS: A BRIEF HISTORY #5

Insurrections often are propagated upon misinformation.   So too are the most recent band of domestic terrorist who like to hide behind our most sacred American institutions.  In this series, I want to explore the Bill of Rights and why some of the hype and hyperbole thrown around by the extremist is not just wrong but …

Historical Tidbits

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. February 24, 1801            Marbury vs Madison Politics in 1800 were contentious. Thomas Jefferson and his political party, the Democratic-Republicans, had soundly beaten John Adams, a Federalist, in the …

Historical Tidbits

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. February 22, 1732            Pennsylvania Statehouse cornerstone laid Construction of Independence Hall, then known as the Pennsylvania State House would begin in 1732. The construction of the building was …