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.
The 15th state to join the Union is Kentucky, something that might surprise people who imagine that all the earliest members of the United States were strung along on the East Coast. While its statehood was early, Kentucky’s flag took many years to evolve. Indeed, the first 14 states were lined up along the Atlantic… continue
Every year, more than 100,000 people tour the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. Its website notes that there are “exhibits about the history of seapower, the development of the U.S. Navy, and the role of the U.S. Naval Academy in producing officers.” In addition, the museum houses a treasure trove of historic flags…. continue
On May 8, 1945, the date World War II ended in Europe, a Pennsylvania soldier wrote home to his wife, Mary. He wanted to tell her about the flags he saw that day and the emotions he felt. Pfc. Marshall Line, 32, who was stationed with an air squadron in England, reminded her in his… continue
One of the more unusual – and somewhat gruesome – state flags features four birds and three drops of blood. The flag belongs to Louisiana, which is marking the 205th anniversary of its admission to the Union. Louisiana’s state flag was incorrect for many years, but a high school student with sharp eyes, D. Joseph… continue
If you think Superman, Batman and Spider-Man are the only super-heroes in comic book history, you missed one named “The Flag.” You’ve also missed his genesis story. And his brief life. First published in 1941 and not long for the comic book world, “Our Flag” was published just as America leaned toward entering World War… continue