Witches, Ghosts, and Monsters in 18th and Early-19th Century Native American Culture
“Spooky Season” ("spook" is a Dutch word for spirit or ghost) is once again upon us. As a result, although this blog usually only deals...
top of page
Here is where we publish articles about the social, political and military history of American society during the Colonial and Early Republic Eras. Where we feel it is needed, we also examine the origins of the subject. From time to time, we will also publish articles regarding Living History interpretative skills.
Please let us know in the comments if you enjoy our posts.
Search
Oct 7, 202215 min read
Naval Stores and Ropewalks – Vital Backbones of the Maritime World
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the strength of the economy of the British Empire and the early United States was dependent on...
541 views0 comments
Sep 23, 20228 min read
Period Dramas and Living History: A Love-Hate Relationship That Doesn't Have to Be.
Let me begin by admitting that I have been, and still am at times, the guy in the picture above. I try to not do this, and, for the most...
95 views0 comments
Jul 2, 202217 min read
Celebration: Patriotic Holidays in Colonial America and the Early United States
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth (June 19th) our 11th Federal holiday. Of these there are four...
786 views0 comments
Jun 3, 202213 min read
Let’s Bat that Around – The Game of Battledore and Shuttlecock
Most of us reading this article have played Badminton at one time or another. When I was growing up as a part of the Baby Boomer...
833 views0 comments
May 6, 202211 min read
Outdoor Entertainments – Quoits, The Sport of a Virginia Gentleman.
As a child growing up in the Ohio River Valley, I remember being given a game of “quoits” to play with out in the yard. It consisted of...
305 views0 comments
Feb 11, 202213 min read
Every Gentleman's Duty - Toasting in the 18th and Early 19th Century
“A Toast or Sentiment very frequently excites good humor, and revives languid conversation; often does it, when properly applied, cool...
1,451 views0 comments
Jan 28, 202210 min read
The Most Popular Beverage in Early America
Throughout the late summer, fall, and early winter, apple cider (also known as cyder in the past) is everywhere. It is a mainstay of...
193 views0 comments
Dec 30, 20219 min read
Wine in Early-19th Century America
New Year’s Eve is upon us. Although it is a time usually associated with champagne and other sparkling wines, we thought we would take...
174 views0 comments
Dec 17, 202111 min read
Christmas Carols in the Early 19th Century
Due to our video-centered culture today, almost any adult, and many children, are familiar with the scene from Charles Dickens’ “A...
6,481 views0 comments
May 7, 202115 min read
The Old Northwest Territory: America’s First Great Westward Expansion
If I were to speak of the Northwest Territories today, most people would assume I was either talking about the Canadian province or the...
913 views0 comments
Mar 26, 202119 min read
Building the Republic: National Banking and Finance
Today, most of us give little thought to banks. If we want to deposit our paycheck, get cash, a mortgage loan, a consumer loan, or...
100 views0 comments
Mar 13, 202113 min read
Lotteries as Public Finance
These days, when we want to fund building a public project such as roads, bridges, schools, etc., governments usually to look to issuing...
324 views0 comments
Feb 27, 202120 min read
Dolley Madison: The Nation's "First" Lady.
Monday marks the beginning of Women’s History Month 2021. The focus of this blog is always history, and so, we do not usually theme our...
532 views0 comments
Jan 18, 202115 min read
EDUCATION IN VIRGINIA DURING THE COLONIAL ERA AND THE EARLY REPUBLIC
Throughout 2020 and into the new year, our ideas of what education should look like here in Virginia have been challenged by the effects...
4,623 views0 comments
Jan 4, 202117 min read
Let Us Share a Bowl Together – Punch, the Forerunner of the Modern Cocktail
“A merry Christmas, Bob!” said Scrooge, with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back. “A merrier...
608 views0 comments
Nov 6, 202013 min read
1804 - Mass Destruction and a "Snow Hurricane"
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane, now winding down, has arguably been one of the most active ever. With this in mind, I thought it might be...
119 views0 comments
Oct 23, 20209 min read
The Unconquered Lord of the Card Room: Whist-its history and play
In life, as in whist, hope nothing from the way cards may be dealt to you. Play the cards, whatever they be, to the best of your skill....
1,104 views1 comment
Sep 25, 202015 min read
All the World's a Stage: Theatre in Colonial and Early America
Publisher’s Note: I originally authored this article in 2015 for another blog that I was writing for at the time. I have since rewritten...
4,852 views0 comments
Sep 11, 202017 min read
“There we were entertained with scenes romantic and delightful beyond the power of description"
The Amusement Parks of Early America; Pleasure Gardens in America and their roots in England Before we begin our discussion of Pleasure...
115 views0 comments
bottom of page