Colonial America

Fire prevention was an obsession. No wonder. The hundreds of candles, lamps, and hearths for cooking and heating meant that the town could go up in smoke overnight.

Dec 10, 2009 - Brian Deming

Contemporaries accused colonial New York Governor Lord Cornbury of cross-dressing, but a 20th Century historian says not so. Who to believe?

Dec 6, 2009 - Rosemary E. Bachelor

It's a stretch. But a case can be made that without the snit over a certain judicial appointment in Massachusetts, America's break with Britain might never have happened.

Dec 4, 2009 - Brian Deming

Volunteers ensure the Pennsylvania battle site remains accessible to the public and preservationists monitor the status of a site visited by Washington.

Dec 2, 2009 - Mike Virgintino

In 1692 a climate of fear and anxiety led to the deaths of 20 people during the Salem Witchcraft Trials. What were the reasons for this case of panic and injustice?

Nov 30, 2009 - Marilynn Doore

In the year 1692 the Massachussetts colony experienced a mass hysteria brought on by fear and suspicion. The Salem Witchcraft Trials, in the end, would claim 20 lives.

Nov 30, 2009 - Marilynn Doore

The idea that a black female slave born in Africa could compose poems in English was preposterous to many people in early America. So she had to pass a test.

Nov 29, 2009 - Brian Deming

Great Britain placed five acts on the colonists that were considered intolerable by the colonists. Samuel Adams was greatly influential in their repeal.

Nov 23, 2009 - Maddison Newburg

Samuel Adams along with the support of many others saw the Tea Act as a direct attempt to eliminate American freedom.

Nov 23, 2009 - Maddison Newburg

Samuel Adams was able to gain the support of many through his influential political writings.

Nov 23, 2009 - Maddison Newburg

Through his opposition of the Stamp Act Samuel Adams gaining support for the American Revolution.

Nov 23, 2009 - Maddison Newburg

In colonial America, ownership in land by the federal government was first granted through land patents.

Nov 21, 2009 - Vanessa Cross

Anna Green Winslow left the world a treasure: a diary that reveals the wit of a lively, charming girl and gives us a peek at colonial society.

Nov 20, 2009 - Brian Deming

The early history of black life in New York City includes slaves, servants and free men, and dates back to the earliest days of the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam.

Nov 19, 2009 - Melissa Cooper

Computer technology, science, and history combine to create a thrilling portrait of New York City as a green island of rich natural resources and ecological diversity.

Nov 17, 2009 - Melissa Cooper

While little information is available about George Washington's early years, the best way to learn more about the man is to begin to understand his childhood.

Nov 17, 2009 - Mike Virgintino

Padded caps were the fashion for toddlers. Stays were common for both boys and girls. If you were a schoolboy, you could expect to be called a "gnurly wretch."

Nov 16, 2009 - Brian Deming

The story about the cherry tree and tossing a dollar across the river, if true, may have occurred here.

Nov 16, 2009 - Mike Virgintino

The battleground of 1781 remains accessible but Green Spring Plantation is not open to the public.

Nov 13, 2009 - Mike Virgintino

During the summer of 1781 in Virginia, British and American forces watched each other closely and fought several skirmishes near Williamsburg.

Nov 12, 2009 - Mike Virgintino

Several taverns were the center of social life and politics as Virginia joined the rest of the colonies in challenging the king of England.

Nov 11, 2009 - Mike Virgintino

The only person punished in connection with the events on March 5, 1770, was a boy who killed no one and possibly wasn't even at the scene. He got whipped.

Nov 11, 2009 - Brian Deming

General Pulaski finally becomes a U.S. citizen, an historic trail is established in New York and General Greene's home welcomes visitors and support.

Nov 9, 2009 - Mike Virgintino

The British Parliament passed four acts in response to the Boston Tea Party and other American actions. Called the Intolerable Acts, they further angered the colonies.

Nov 6, 2009 - David Todd

A trip to Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas is beloved by many. Although they may feel that they have stepped back in time, a "Williamsburg Christmas" is not colonial.

Nov 4, 2009 - Sara E. Lewis