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 National Park Service is commemorating its centennial this year and invites Americans (and people around the world) to visit its many sites. When you do, you’ll spot plenty of flags. It happened recently to a family that stopped by Great Falls Park in Virginia, just a few miles from Washington, D.C. They spied a… continue
The quadrennial return of the Summer Olympics on August 5 brings with it lots of flags, including the games’ own banner. The iconic white flag with five interlocked circles honors teams that come from around the globe to compete in scores of sports. When the flag was first designed, each nation was represented by a… continue
On August 1, 1876, as the U.S. was marking the centenary of the Declaration of Independence, another U.S. – U.S. Grant, that is – was busy at his desk, putting the final touches on a document that would certify Colorado’s entry into the Union. “I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of… continue
When members of the Democratic Party gather in the City of Brotherly Love for their quadrennial convention to nominate a presidential candidate, they will see American flags all around the venue. Those with sharp eyes might also spot Philadelphia’s city flag. The banner was conceived in 1894 by a learned expert with eclectic interests that… continue
Republicans and Democrats will soon gather for their national political conventions in Cleveland, Ohio, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, respectively. There are sure to be plenty of American flags and lots of red-white-and-blue bunting on display. But what about the flags of the municipalities welcoming the delegates? In one case, a city flag actually kindled a romance… continue