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.
Ninety years ago, teenagers around the U.S. received a check to reward their love for the American flag. It happened because they entered a contest sponsored by The American Legion Weekly. Another contest, held three years later, sent winners around the globe. Under the heading, “Wanted: A Patriot’s Flag Creed,” the Legion invited “millions of… continue
How now red cow? That question could be a common reaction to the Vermont state flag. Vermont is marking the 225th anniversary of its entry, on March 4, 1791, into the U. S. As the 14th state, it was the first to join the Union after the original 13 colonies. State Flag The first official… continue
At New York City’s Carnegie Hall at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 1919, the New York Philharmonic presented is 1,294th concert. The orchestra’s first act was to play “The Star-Spangled Banner” in honor of the American flag. The 17-year-old guest soloist, born in Poland, was Jascha Heifetz, destined to become one of the greatest… continue
George Washington was born on Feb. 22, 1732, right? Well, not quite. He was actually born on Feb. 11, 1731, 285 years ago. Either way, he was surrounded by all sorts of flags his entire life. The National Archives website clarifies his birth date by noting that Washington “was born in Virginia on February 11,… continue
A few years after the Civil War ended, a multi-volume opus was written. Titled “The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, 1861-’65,” it bulged with case studies, surgical breakthroughs – and some flags, one of which was a person. FLAGG One of the breakthroughs involved Corporal Eugene Flagg, a member of… continue