As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of Independence this year, I was curious as to what was happening this week in 1776. August 1, 1776 Just one day before the formal parchment of the Declaration of Independence was signed, Patriot leader Samuel Adams delivered a passionate, unifying speech…
The Pony Express was a pioneering mail delivery system that used a relay of horseback riders. Operating for just 18 months between 1860 and 1861, riders sped across nearly 2,000 miles of rugged terrain between Missouri and California. It was a reliable process with letters being delivered in about 10…
While putting together our itinerary for the week, I came across a few photos of the Utah State Capitol, yet I was not prepared for the real-life grand home of the state’s government. Its neoclassical architecture is more DC than SLC. Situated on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City, the…
As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of Independence, I was curious as to what was happening this week in 1776. While the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, the American Revolution was far from over. However, this newly created document sent waves of renewed…
We are all aware of this big birthday that America is celebrating today. Having been born and raised 30 miles from Philadelphia, with a mom and grandparents from the city, I have been brought up with the birth of this nation imbedded in me. I would spend a few weeks…
As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of Independence, I was curious as to what was happening this week in 1776. June 29, 1776 When my mom was still alive, she and I spent a lot of time at the New Jersey shore. By choice, with perfect contentment in…
An hour after landing in Utah, Ensign Peak was the perfect way to get an overview of Salt Lake City. Literally. Located north of downtown, the 5,417-foot dome-shaped hill is known for its panoramic views as well as its historical significance to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of…
While in Salt Lake City recently, my husband and I went by the Family Search Library, the largest genealogical research facility in the world. It is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Free and open to the public, billions – not a typo – of physical…
As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of Independence, I was curious as to what was happening this week in 1776. June 12, 1776 On June 12, 1776, Virginia’s Fifth Revolutionary Convention unanimously adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights. George Mason drafted this document, which declared that all men…
As my husband drove us to the most well-known historical site in Concord, Massachusetts, he said, “Wow. That is a very cool house.” Before I could reach for my binoculars, tucked in the pocket that runs the length of the bottom interior passenger door, he spoke again. “Wait. There’s a…
