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The Origin of the U.S. Dollar
In the 18th Century, there weren’t official exchange rates for currencies. Before and during the American Revolution, in the Thirteen Colonies there were at least 17, that’s right, 17 different…
Read MoreNicholas Biddle – One of Our Best
It is rare that the U.S. Navy names ships after one its officers, much less four. Captain Nicholas Biddle, Continental Navy is one that has been honored with four ships…
Read MoreNot Worth a Continental
Before the Battle of Lexington and Concord, currency (paper money) and specie (coins) were regulated by the British Parliament. In 1751, 1764 and as late as 1773, British Currency Acts…
Read MoreThe Pandemic of 1793
By 1793, the United States had been an independent nation for 10 years. The Treaty of Paris gave the country peace with England. Our new Constitution was ratified in 1787…
Read MoreFive Facts About JPJ You Probably Didn’t Know
John Paul Jones (JPJ) is one of the most storied naval officers of the 18th Century. He uttered the words “I have not yet begun to fight” in the battle…
Read MoreAfrican Americans in the British and Continental Armies
The first African American who died for our freedom was Crispus Attucks, who was killed in 1770 at the Boston Massacre. This event was a precursor to the American Revolution…
Read More“Admiral” Benedict Arnold
Most Americans know Benedict Arnold as the traitor. Many may know him as the general who helped win at the battle of Saratoga. Fewer know his exploits as general leading…
Read MoreTwo Proclamations With Unintended Results
When the American Revolution began, the British knew that to win, they had to disrupt the economy of the Thirteen Colonies which was heavily dependent on exports – lumber, dried…
Read MoreThe Sad Story of Pierre Landais Part Deux
Within hours of Captain John Paul Jones relieving him of command of the frigate Alliance, Landais began scheming to get his ship back. Rather remain in port, he went to…
Read MoreThe Sad Story of Pierre Landais, Part Un
The rebellion in the Thirteen Colonies drew the Marquis de Lafayette from France, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben from Prussia and Casimir Pulaski from Poland and many others who wanted to…
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