Historical Tidbits — Independence Day

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. July 2, 1776 – “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. —I am apt to believe that it will …

Historical Tidbits — Customs Act

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. June 29, 1767 The Commissioners of Customs Act — created a new Customs Board for the North American colonies, to be headquartered in Boston with five customs commissioners. The …

Historical Tidbits — Battle of Monmouth

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. June 28, 1778                     Battle of Monmouth The new British commander, Lieutenant General Henry Clinton, received orders to follow a defensive strategy and consolidate forces in New York City. He …

“Seven Rations” for the 18th Century Soldier

For regiments of the British Army, each mess (five or six men) was issued one bowl, one platter, one ladle, one cooking kettle, six trenchers (a plate on one side and a bowl on the other), and spoons. Using this equipment, the men were to prepare, cook, and eat their “seven rations” of food. Each …

Historical Tidbits — The Revenue Act

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. June 26, 1767 The Revenue Act — placed taxes on glass, lead, painters’ colors, and paper. It gave customs officials broad authority to enforce the taxes and punish smugglers …

Historical Tidbits — Washington chosen as Commander-in-Chief

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. June 19, 1775     Washington chosen as Commander-in-Chief.   When George Washington arrived at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on May 9, 1775, he was placed on several committees …

Historical Tidbits — British Evacuate 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. June 18, 1778                     British evacuate Philadelphia After almost nine months of occupation, 15,000 British troops under General Sir Henry Clinton evacuate Philadelphia.   The British position in Philadelphia became untenable …

Historical Tidbits — Battle of “Bunker Hill”

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. June 17, 1775     Battle of Bunker Hill. Well actually, Breed’s Hill…  On June 13, 1775, the leaders of the colonial forces besieging Boston learned that the British were planning to send …

Historical Tidbits — Forty Fort

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. Forty Fort was a stronghold built by settlers from Westmoreland County, Connecticut, on the Susquehanna River in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. During the American Revolutionary War, both Connecticut and Pennsylvania …

Historical Tidbits — Creation of Continental Army

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. June 14, 1775 – The Second Continental Congress creates the Continental Army.  Six companies of riflemen are then dispatched to Boston. When the American Revolutionary War broke out in …