“The Hessians are coming,” was in the 18th century a chilling statement. The Hessians were among the most disciplined and feared mercenaries of that century. Mercenaries were important to the European armies of the 18th century to augment the infantry. For the principality of Hesse-Cassel, the services provided by their loaned men to the empires … More The Hessians Are Coming!
This week marked the anniversary of the first American submarine attack. Not in the English Channel or off of Hamburg but right here in New York harbor on September 7, 1776. Fittingly enough, like modern submarines, there was not a great deal of space inside “The Turtle.” The attack however demonstrated that the far out … More Torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead!
We have just celebrated the 240th anniversary of the decisive, and most important, battle of the American Revolution. There were several events both at Greenwood Cemetery and the Old Stone House commemorating the events of that fateful August 27. At Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park, the Society of Old Brooklynites remembered the Prison Ship Martyr’s that are … More Fort Putnam/August 30, 1776
This is another book that has been on my reading pile. Washington’s Circle by David S. Heilder and Jeanne T. Heilder traverse territory that is not new to anyone who has studied George Washington. However, they give a new twist to the creation of the presidency by examining the people who surrounded Washington as … More Washington’s Circle
This week our nation marked the 228th anniversary of the ratification of the United States Constitution. Unsurprisingly, most Americans did not mark the day because we tend to take the Constitution for granted – like the sun. The ratification debate was heated as well as polarizing. Many Americans do not realize that many of the … More Revolutionary Dissent
Today we celebrate the quintessential New York success story! He comes to New York as a young college student, gets involved in the rebellion against the Crown. His brilliance and charm catch the attention of the commander of the army bringing him into the heart of the American Revolution. He goes on to become the … More Happy Birthday, Alex!
December 31 marks the anniversary of the American attempt to capture Quebec from the British in 1775. The expedition led by General Richard Montgomery and his lieutenant, Benedict Arnold ended in failure and the death of General Montgomery. Richard Montgomery is another example of a British officer passed over for promotion who joined the … More General Richard Montgomery – America’s First Hero
Nathan Hale’s luck ran out on September 21. After volunteering to spy on the British, Hale had gone to Connecticut and sailed to Long Island. He landed in present day Huntington and proceeded into Brooklyn all along taking notes of troop movements. After the British entered Manhattan, Hale sailed across the East River entering the … More One Life to Give
New Yorkers were awakened in the early hours of September 21, 1776 by the bells of churches announcing a fire. As in all colonial cities, citizens ran out with their buckets to attempt to put the fire out. But by the time the bells had started to peal the fire was out of control. The … More The Fire
Cadwalder Colden was one of the most prominent of colonial leaders in 1776. Colden is present at key moments leading up to the American Revolution beginning with the Stamp Act Crisis in 1765. Colden arrived in New York from Philadelphia in 1718 with the idea of practicing medicine, a graduate of the prestigious University … More Cadwalder Colden
Bowery & Canal 