History lessons is a grouping of historical stories and tidbits. The topics range from the American Civil War through interesting items from around the world. Please use the comments area to ask questions and make suggestions for future topics.
There are two Key names when it comes to national flags. The American flag, of course, is honored with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key 200 years ago. And now New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key wants a new national flag to supplant the current one. The island’s flag, formally adopted in June… continue
The Brooklyn Bridge made news recently due to the mysterious appearance of two bleached American flags that were placed atop the historic span by nighttime intruders. On May 24, 1883, flags played a major role – in broad daylight and well into the evening – when the Brooklyn Bridge opened to much hoopla. Lighting up… continue
Some historians argue that the 20th century was shaped by World War I. Known as the Great War, it began 100 years ago amid waving – and burning – flags. Coincidentally, on the very same day, Idahoans focused on an American flag for a happier reason. On July 28, 1914, newspapers around the world reported the… continue
The motto of Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, is “Non incautus futuri,” which means “Not unmindful of the future.” But the campus has had to be very mindful of the past in recent months because of a dispute over Confederate flags. The dispute, which was recently settled, began in April, when 12 law… continue
John Philip Sousa, the 19th century March King, celebrated flags, such as his “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Jeanne Fourquet, a 15th century French peasant, is honored for desecrating a flag. How they came together at the White House makes for an interesting trek through history. At the beginning of the Civil War, a newspaper in… continue