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.
On the Fourth of July 1864 – 150 years ago – Mary Wadsworth sat down in her Washington, D.C., home and began writing to Abraham Lincoln. With thoughts of Gettysburg and another, more recent Civil War battle, she wanted a favor, and her appeal included references to her late husband and the U.S. flag. Mary’s… continue
Just before the Civil War, Albert Myer, an obscure telegrapher who became an Army doctor, combined his experience in both fields to invent a means of communicating by waving flags to troops. His effort spawned the Army’s Signal Corps. Today, the Signal Corps sends messages by modern means. But Myer knew nothing of cellphones, emails… continue
After Norman Rockwell, James Montgomery Flagg might be the best-known popular painter of the 20th century. Given his name, it’s no surprise that his artwork contained so many images of bright stars and broad stripes. If you can picture Uncle Sam pointing his finger at you, you know Flagg’s most famous work – and maybe… continue
Most Americans know that Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Many would be able to cite Irving Berlin as the composer of “God Bless America.” But few citizens can identify the author of “The Pledge of Allegiance,” which will be recited often on Flag Day, June 14, and on the Fourth… continue
If every American sings loudly enough, Canadians and Mexicans might be able to hear “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Flag Day. That’s because every American is being invited to sing the National Anthem at 4 p.m. EDT on June 14. In addition, “The Star-Spangled Banner” — both the original manuscript of the words and the original… continue