|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
We will be adding new information to this page regularly, so check back often for new and interesting facts about America's founding!
February 2012 Do we have a responsibility to elect Godly leaders? Absolutely. Our founding fathers insisted that God gave us the opportunity as well as the responsibility to be governed by such men. Isn't it interesting that a founding father and a "politician" would answer such a question which targets the "church and state" controversy of today: "The Americans are the first people whom Heaven has favored with an opportunity of deliberating upon and choosing the forms of government under which they should live. Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." - John Jay, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Where was the first English settlement in America? Roanoke under Sir Walter Raleigh. It was approximately 40 years before Jamestown. What event on July 9, 1776 on Bowling Green was one of the first acts of rebellion by the colonists?
Jaunuary 2012 What was the first governing document for the thirteen colonies? It was the Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781. Did George Washington really cross the Delaware River on Christmas night?
What were the 3 reasons John Adams gave as to why he wanted Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence?
What was the "Great Awakening"? It was an era of several religious revivals in the 1730s and 40s which included people such as George Whitfield and Jonathan Edwards. December Update 2011 Which state had only one signer of the U.S. Constitution?
A preacher and a future President were the only two men to sign the Bill of Rights. Who were they? The Preacher was Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg (also Speaker of the House of Representatives) and the future President was John Adams Who introduced the Virginia Plan to the Constitutional Convention? It was Edmund Randolph of Delaware. Although Jame Madison contributed enormously it was Randolph, on May 29, 1787, who officially presented the idea of a new government for the first time. Were preachers outspoken as a major proponent in favor of independence? Yes. In fact it was John Adams who said, "Our pulpits have thundered." November Update 2011 What is significant about December 15, 1791? It is on that date Virginia ratified the Bill of Rights . . . and the proposed amendments became part of the U.S. Constitution. Where would you find the following and who is it referring to: "For depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits of Trial by Jury"?
Who were the only two men to sign the Constitution although neither represented a particular state? William Jackson signed as Secretary ... George Washington signed as President . . . of the Continental Congress What was unusual about the flag Francis Scott Key saw at Fort McHenry?
October Update 2011 Who is the only Founding Father with the distinction of having two direct descendants serve as President of the United States? It was Benjamin Harrison. William Henry Harrison, the 9TH President, was his son and Benjamin Harrison, the 23RD President, was his great-grandson. What was the Great Compromise? It was the idea of supporting two legislative bodies, to satisfy the argument between the large and small states. John Dickinson and Roger Sherman were leaders in promoting the "compromise" which had one legislative body with proportional representation (House of Representatives) and one with equal representation (Senate). Was the two-party system a direct result of any particular Founding Father?
Which Founding Father, in 1776, was the only one against independence? It was William Johnson of Connecticut. However later he grew into a strong supporter and eventually signed the United States Constitution. September Update 2011 Was Abigail Adams a true influence on and proponent of women's rights? You certainly could say she was! She wrote often to her husband John while he was in Philadelphia in 1776 working toward the Declaration of Independence. The following from one letter was typical of the advice she offered her husband: "I long to hear that you have declared an independency - and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors . . . [lest] we are determined to forment a Rebellion. . . ." How much formal schooling did America's educational system provide for George Washington and Benjamin Franklin?
The taunting calls of "bloody backs" and "lobsters" led to what historic confrontation?
Was democracy spoken of favorably by the Founding Fathers? Not really. Are you surprised? They equated democracy with anarchy. Ben Franklin was one of many to differentiate between democracy, where the majority rules, and a republic, where the individual is rightly protected from the majority. The words of Elbridge Jerry of Massachusetts were typical; "The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy." August Update 2011 Which Founding Father helped a future First Lady pioneer educational opportunities for women?
Who is often referred to as "the only President of the United States who was not President of the United States"? He was none other than Benjamin Franklin. Because he was skilled in so many different areas he has often been referred to as a "polymath," a prestigious equivalent for a "Renaissance Man". Who were the three authors of "The Federalist Papers"? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison How did George Washington die? It was not a bullet or an arrow. His "Divine protection" and survival from enemy fire is well documented. He died from a blood ailment, most likely from "the combined treatment of bloodletting and a treatment called 'calomel,' now known to be a form of mercury chloride poisoning."
July Update 2011 What verse of scripture is engraved on the Liberty Bell? "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof." - Leviticus 25:10 Who were James McHenry, Zephaniah Swift and Thomas McKean? They are representative of Founding Fathers not well known. Surprise. All three signed the Declaration of Independence! Name the two most significant events to occur in Independence Hall, Philadelphia.
What was said to be "within a squirrel's jump of heaven"?
June Update 2011 Did most colonists want independence from Britain? At first, no. Even after the shots at Lexington and Concord in April, 1775 many wanted to remain under the authority of the Brirish government. But when Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" appeared on January 9, 1776, there was no turning back. According to the pamphlet American freedom could NEVER be secure under Britain's authority. Which amendment deals with the rights of the states vs. the rights of the United States?
Was the Magna Carta of 1215 a major influence on the Declaration of Independence?
At whose order was Major Andre', the carrier of Benedict Arnold's papers, executed? None other than George Washington. May Update 2011 Where will you find the following: "He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the Amount and Payment of their Salaries"?
What boy, nicknamed Jemmy, eventually became president of the United States? He was born on March 16, 1751 and was not a healthy baby. Nicknamed Jemmy, his real name was James. James Madison would eventually become our 4th President. Did Adams, Jefferson and Franklin all sign the "Constitution of the United States?" No, only Benjamin Franklin. What are the two most visited homes in the United States? The White House . . . and George Washington's home in Mount Vernon. Was the phrase "...the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God..." a truly American concept? Well, yes. Thomas Jefferson and our Founding Fathers saw to it that the phrase would be highligted in the first paragraph of the "Declaration of Independence". However they actually "borrowed" the phrase, which was originally used by Sir William Blackstone in "Of The Nature of Laws In General". April Update 2011 Where was the first permanent settlement in Massachusetts?
Who was the first President born in the United States of America? Surprise! It was Van Buren, our 8th President and the first to be born after 1776. In fact 8 of the first 9 presidents were born before 1776 and actually were British subjects in addition to being American colonists. What is the connection between October 7, 1801 and January 1, 1802?
Which Amendment delegates any powers to the individual States which are not authorized to the United States by the Constituion? Amendment X.
March Update 2011 Why was Carpenter's Hall important to our founding fathers? It was a building in Philadephia . . . and it was the first meeting place for the Continental Congress. Was Thomas Jefferson's rise to fame a result of the Declaration of Independence?
Is it true "lynch mobs" were formed during the American Revolution?
February Update 2011 Who were the primary adversaries leading the debate on whether or not to approve the Constitution?
What was the first-ever direct tax Britain levied against the colonists? The Stamp Act . . . in 1765 . . . and the fuse was lit for the American Revolution! Which was the first state adopted into the Union?
Why was Independence Hall important in the establishing of the United States of America?
2011 January Update Was the winter at Valley Forge a turning-point in the war? Yes it was. Of course Washington and the troops' survival are always at the center of the Valley Forge discussion. But be aware that it was more than that. In December of 1777 the American army was undisciplined and chaotic. By the Spring of 1778 they left there as a well disciplined army! Were the chaplains and clergy of the Revolution influential?
Was John Adams alive to see his son become president? Yes he was. John Quincy Adams became the sixth president and took the oath of office in 1825. He would serve from 1825-1829. However John never saw his son complete the term. John Adams, the second president, died on July 4, 1826. What was known as the President's House? It was the name given to the new executive mansion in Washington D.C.. John and Abigail Adams were the first tenants. The name was soon changed from the President's House to . . . the White House. What one thing did Patrick Henry wish he could leave his family upon his death? The Christian religion: "If they had that, and I had not given them one shilling, they would have been rich." 2010 December Update What is an "unalienable" right?
Who had the job to design the White House?
Who donated his personal library to Congress?
Was Washington in Philadelphia when the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 2, 1776? No, he was not there. He was on Long Island recruiting troops to meet the British. Interestingly, that same day he wrote to his troops: ". . . The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God,on the courage and conduct of this army."
2010 November Update Who might be considered the "educational father of many Founding Fathers"?
Is it true Georgia did not elect any delegates to the Continental Congress? Yes. As a result Lyman Hall called an "independent convention" which elected him as its delegate. He eventually attended the second Continental Congress and became one of three delegates from Georgia to sign the Declaration of Independence. What document set up the method by which new states would be admitted to the Union?
Which of the 56 signers of the Declaration was the first to die? John Morton, delegate from Pennsylvania, died in April 1777. And the last signer to die . . . Charles Carroll of Maryland in 1832. 2010 October Update Which state had the fewest U.S. Constitution signers? It was New York. And their lone signer was none other than the historical, Alexander Hamilton. (Pennsyvania had the most - 8) Who was Francis Marion?
Was Roger Sherman in complete agreement that the American Revolution was justified? Yes he was, for a variety of reasons. However, one specific reason he supported the Revolution was because he was fearful the British would destroy the established Congregational Church in his home state, Connecticut. What are probably the 2 primary reasons Gouverneur Morris, Constituion signer from Pennsylvania, will be remembered in American history?
Who is the only Vice-Pres to have run against and defeated his then sitting President?
What is the connection between September 25, 1789 and December 15, 1791? The connection concerns the Bill of Rights: Sept 25, 1789 - the Ten Original Amendments were passed by Congress; Dec. 15, 1791 - the Ten Original Amendments were ratified by Congress and officially became known as The Bill of Rights. 2010 September Update In what unusual place will you find the Latin phrase "Laus Deo", meaning "Praise be to God"? That "spiritual" comment is engraved on the capstone of (surprise). . . the Washington Monument! Did Noah Webster really take 6 years to complete the first American dictionary?
Were the Articles of Confederation very significant? Absolutely. It was actually our national governing document from 1777-1787! And it remained that way until . . . that's right . . . until the United States Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787 What was George Washington's salary as the leader of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War? Nothing! He turned down any salary (". . . I do not wish to make any profit from it.") but did keep an exact account of expenses (". . . and that is all I desire.") 2010 August Update Why is Church of the Holy Trinity vs. United States an extremely important court case? It was that case which led to a Supreme Court decision of 9 to 0, in which the court declared America is a Christian nation! The year was 1892! Which of the original colonies was established with a link to Sweden?
What well known document in American history begins with: "In the name of God. Amen. We whose names are underwritten, having undertaken a voyage for the glory of God and the founding of the Christian religion . . ."? The year was 1620. The document was . . . The Mayflower Compact. How many delegates signed the Constitution - 56, 55 or 39?
2010 July Update What is significant about "...bombs bursting in air..."?
What incident marked John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg for posterity? He delivered a sermon which ended with "There is a time to preach and a time to fight. And now is the time to fight." He then tore off his church robe revealing a soldiers uniform. That afternoon 300 men, many from his own congregation, followed him. They marched off and joined the forces of George Washington. Which Founding Father was the first to actually make a motion that Congress declare the United Colonies to be free and independent? It was Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. The motion was made on June 7, 1776. Less than one month later the Declaration of Independence was approved. Concerning Nathan Hale:
2010 June Update What was the "Bible of the Revolution"?
Who was considered the Father of the Bill of Rights? George Mason of Virginia. What is a "Christian Nation"?
Where did Washington deliver his Farewell Address? Well, it was "delivered" in the Philidelphia Daily American Adventure on September 19, 1796. You see that address was never orally delivered before the public. Instead, it was published! 2010 May Update What is unique about the four major founding documents and Roger Sherman? The four documents were the Articles of Association (1774), Declaration of Independence (1776), Articles of Confederation (1777) Who wrote "Two Treatises of Government"?
Who was responsible for opening the Continental Congress with prayer?
Who were the three authors of "The Federalist Papers"?
What are the reasons given that Jefferson's "wall of separation" comment, in his letter to the Baptists in Danbury, Connecticut, did not mean to actually separate church from government?
2010 April Update How many reasons are given in the Declaration of Independence for America to break from British rule? 27 - Read them. They show a wealth of objections upon which America declared her freedom. Who was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention? It was Ben Franklin of course. He was by far the oldest at 81. Interestingly, the average age was 42 or 43 but many of the key players such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were even younger! Was Nathan Hale a spy? Yes - one of America's first. Sent on assignment by George Washington, Hale was eventually captured by the British - and hung! But not before he said something remarkable: " I only regret I have but one life to lose for my country." Who was responsible for the "holy experiment?"
Which document did John Adams believe was the foundation for our Constitution? It was the Mayflower Compact, written nearly 150 years before the Constitution! And it was signed, where else? On the Mayflower, by the Pilgrims in 1620, and became America's first great document. 2010 March Update How did "Chester" influence the Revolution?
Why did the Virginia House of Burgesses propose and approve a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer? The date was May 24, 1773. It was their sympathetic response to their friends in Massachusettes: "the dangers of a British America" became quite clear by the British naval blockade of the port of Boston. And the reason for the blockade? . . . England's response to the Boston Tea Party! What were the top two selling books in colonial America?
What were the reasons for separating from England? There are 27 "legal reasons" listed in the Declaration of Independence. But the founders viewed those reasons only as a part of a much bigger issue - the plan to take away their religious liberties by establishing a national church, just like the Church of England from which they had escaped! 2010 February Update Which founding father was known as"Mr M"?
Where did the colonial soldiers find maps and plans to capture the fort at West Point? They were hidden in the boot of John Andre'. He was a Major in the British army who secretly passed notes back and forth with an American traitor named . . . Benedict Arnold. What was the turning point of the War for Independence?
Who wrote "Summary View of the Rights of British America", was the first Secretary of State AND the second Vice President? Yup, it was Thomas Jefferson. What building, whose cornerstone was laid in 1792, was the first to be constructed in our nation's capitol? The White House. The cornerstone was laid during George Washington's presidency but the house was not completed until near the end of the term of our second president, John Adams. 2010 January Update What did Congress and George Washington do together after Washington's inaugural address? They went to church together!! (Oh my goodness.) How did the Rev. Jonas Clarks' congregation contribute to America's founding?
Which famous American historical document recognized "religion, morality and knowledge" as necessary for good government?
Why was the battle at Yorktown, Virginia significant? It was the last battle of the Revolutionary War. It was fought in October 1781, six plus years after the first shots of the war were fired at Lexington. Gen. Cornwallis' battle plans at Yorktown were destroyed thanks to a Providential storm. As George Washington had the British surrender their weapons, Cornwallis signed the peace treaty. The war was over! December 2009 Update Was there a definite number of "Founding Fathers"? No. Those who signed several key documents such as the Constitution and the Declaration of independence are usually considered as such. But others like John Marshall and Patrick Henry and George Mason, who did not sign either document, contributed immensely to the founding of this country. Generally, 240-250 "Founding Fathers" are usually identified. Can you name the two "unusual" signatures on the Declaration of Independence?
Who was the first chaplain for the Congress? Rev. Jacob Duche. He received a letter dated July 8, 1776 signed by John Hancock, which confirmed that appointment. It was another Godly contribution from our founding fathers. Did Thomas Mc Kean impact our Declaration of Independence? Absolutely. There were three Delaware delegates to the Continental Congress. George Read was opposed to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Caesar Rodney was in favor. Thomas McKean joined Rodney and voted for approval making it "The unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states...". November 2009 Update Which founding father was often pictured with a bandage around his jaw as though he had a toothache? He was Caesar Rodney of Delaware. It was not a toothache however. He suffered from a cancer of the cheek. He actually had it from youth, and only with his death in 1783, at age 53, did the cancerous suffering end. What biblical verse is enscribed on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia?
Who made this motion in Congress - "... the colonies should form governments independent of the crown."? No, not Ben F. or Thomas J. It was John Adams. He made the motion on May 6,1776. About one month later Richard Henry Lee made a more explicit motion declaring the colonies free and independent. Shortly thereafter Adams was chosen to the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, along with Franklin, Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. October 2009 Update Who was the "Father of the American Revolution"?
Who was the "Reverend" Declaration of Independence signer from New Jersey?
Which U.S. president was a surveyor?
September 2009 Update Which of the following sparked the Revolution: the Boston Massacre, the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, the Townsend Acts?
Which well-known founding father, who never signed the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence, left his mark as the "Father of American Scholarship and Education?" It was non other than the word (and the Word) enthusiast, Noah Webster (1758-1843). Why was the Liberty Bell originally ordered? The Pennsylvania Assembly wanted to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges, the original Constitution of Pennsylvania. Why was the Northwest Ordinance important?
August 2009 Update "...we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor" are the last words of which famous document? Declaration of Independence. The last sentnce reads "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." Thomas Jefferson's tombstone does NOT include which of the following? a) "Author of the Declaration of Independence", b) "Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom", c) " Father of the University of Virginia", d) "President of the United States of America".
John Morton of Pennsylvania cast what very important vote? On the vote for independence the Pennsylvania delegation was equally divided for and against. Morton was called upon to give a casting vote for Pennsylvania. He voted YES, and from that moment the United Colonies were declared Independent States! July 2009 Update What is the significant connection of Sept. 25, 1789 and Dec.15, 1791?
Is it true that the United States Supreme Court has never declared this a Christian nation? No, it is not true! In 1892, and in several other published decisions, the Supreme Court said "...this is a Christian nation." Which president was perhaps the most prolific reader of the bible? John Quincy Adams, the 6th president, supposedly read the bible cover to cover several times. June 2009 Update The most unusual first name of a Declaration of Independence signer was ... ? How about Button . . . Button Gwinnett of Georgia? Which Livingston from New York signed the Declaration of Independence: Robert, William, Walter or Philip? Robert? No - he was on the drafting committee for the declaration but did not sign it. William? No - he signed the Constitution, was brother of Philip and Robert's uncle. Walter? No - he was a member of the Continental Congress (1784-5) and Philip's son. Philip? Yes. How about that for a patriotic family? Which Dec. of Ind. signer was not allowed to hold office in his home state? Charles Carroll of Maryland. And the reason? He was a Catholic in a very protestant state. As a result of that discrimination, he worked dilligently to help pass the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed his freedom of religious choice. Is Daylight Savings Time related to a founding father?
What American city is comprised of ALL patriots? Patriot, Indiana. Population app 200. It is the only city in America with that name. May 2009 Update Was any Founding Father ever impeached? No, however Samuel Chase of Maryland did undergo impeachment proceedings. Apparently due to some rather abrasive and extreme remarks, the House of Representatives initiated impeachment action but the Senate found him not guilty. Why was New Hampshire's constitution vote so memorable? New Hampshire was the ninth state to vote to approve. That was the vote which assured national ratification of the U.S. Conststution. Is the term "gerrymandering" somehow related to our Founding Fathers?
April 2009 Update How many Catholics signed the Declaration of Independence?
Has any state ever required a representative to be a "believer"?
Were all 13 colonies represented at the First Continental Congress? NO. When they assembled in Philadelphia in September 1774 the colony of Georgia was not represented. Is "Yankee Doodle" an American original? No. The tune is old. The melody is traced back to the Middle Ages in southern Europe, Holland harvesters singing it in the 1500's, & later, children in England creating their own lyrics. Only later did the old tune of "Yankee Doodle" come to express, in song, an American spirit of rebellion among the colonists. How long did it take Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence?
March 2009 Update Who was Mary Washington?
Did someone named "Publius" write a well known American publication? Yes. In fact there were three rather famous men who shared the pseudonym "Publius": James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. Together they wrote The Federalsit Papers which agressively advocated a new and more powerful centralized but balanced system of government. Which founding father created the first volunteer fire-fighting company in America? None other than the great inventor himself, Benjamin Franklin. In 1736 he created The Union Fire Company. U.S. presidential inaugurations have occurred in how many different American cities? Three: New York City (1st); Philadelphia (2nd and 3rd); Washington D.C. (all others) February 2009 Update Was Alexis de Tocqueville really interested in our prison system? Actually that interest was an excuse. He used it to get permission to leave France and travel to this country. It ended being a 9 month travel which culminated in a remarkable book, "Democracy in America" which analyzed this country during the Revolutionary War . Did the 'Great Awakening' help define this country? It certainly could have. It was during this period, 1740-1760, when the 'American Christian Revolution' may have been birthed - and impressionable young men growing up during that time included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and many more of our founding fathers. Did the founding fathers have formal schooling?
Is it possible 45 words can grant 5 freedoms? Yes. If you read the First Amendment (which has 45 words) you will see it spells out our freedoms of religion, speech, the press, the right to assemble and the right to petition the government. Did Patrick Henry oppose the adoption of the United States Constitution? Surprise. Yes he did oppose it. Although he was an eloquent orator who guided this country towards independence, he was a critic of the U.S. Constsitution believing it gave too much power to the federal government. But, as a result of his dissatisfaction, he did become instrumental in forcing the adoption of another rather important document, the Bill of Rights. Was the founder of the University of Pennsylvania and the first Postmaster General under the Continental Congress the same person? It was indeed. Those were just two of the remarkable distinctions of - Benjamin Franklin. January 2009 Update Was Washington D.C. always the U.S. capitol? No. Philadelphia and New York City were temporary sites of the federal government before it was permanently established in Washington D.C. Did you know Thomas Jefferson died in debt? He was reportedly over $100,000 in debt. But more amazing was that some of that debt was repaid by the selling off of approximately 190 slaves Jefferson still owned! Did you know eight of our first nine presidents were not born in the United States? Correct. (Maybe a trick question) They were actually born before 1776 in the then American Colonies, thus being British subjects. George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and William Henry Harrison were all born before the Declaration of Independence was written. (Martin Van Buren, our 8th president, was the first to be born after 1776.) Was John Adams at one time a minister? No, although his father would have loved it. He wanted him to pursue a religious carreer. And although John was a devout Christian, he humorously said being a minister would "make my Life miserable, without any prospect of doing any good to my fellow Men." December 2008 Update Did you know more presidents have attended Harvard University than any other college or university? That's right. There were seven presidents: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Rutherford B. Hayes, John F. Kennedy, and George W. Bush. November 2008 Update At the first inauguration of an American president, George Washington placed his hand on a Bible opened to what verse? Deuteronomy 28 - it promises blessings or curses on a nation according to its faithfulness to follow and abide by God's Word. After the oath Washington added "So help me God" and kissed the Bible. Every president since has repeated the very same phrase, "So help me God." What was the main killer of Washington's troops the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge? Approximately 2,000 colonial soldiers died - but most were caused by disease rather than cold or starvation. Who created the Seal of the United States? Shortly after the Declaration of Independene was adopted in 1776, a committee to formulate an official seal, also known as the "great seal," was chosen. The committee was comprised of none other than Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. But it was not until 1782 that the "great seal" was actually approved by Congress. During the Revolutionary War who was known as "The Black Regiment?" The answer has nothing to do with race but rather with occupation. You see the war effort was indeed blessed. The inspirational leadership of the clergy from the colonies became known by their enemies as "the Black Regiment" in reference to them oftentimes wearing their pulpit gowns, even while on the battlefield! October 2008 Update Who was the only "founding father" to sign ALL of the these documents: Declaration of Independence (1776), Treaty of Alliance with France (1778), Treaty of Paris (1783) and Constitution f the United States (1787)? None other than our dear friend, Benjamin Franklin, who died in Philadelphia, approximately three years after the signing of the Constitution. Does the Declaration of Independence ever mention or refer God?
Who was Robert Treat Paine and why is he important in American history?
E Pluribus Unum, found on our currency, what does it mean?
Who was widow Martha Custis? She was a young widow with two children. In 1759 she met and married her husband George. That's right. She became Martha Washington, our first First Lady and wife of our first president. September 2008 Update Did Benjamin Franklin want the eagle to be America's symbol ? No. He considered the eagle to be inappropriate because it was a bird of "bad moral character." His choice for the American bird was . . . the turkey! An appropriate historical choice on one hand . . . and a perfect example of a delightful "Franklinism" on the other. The original American flag was designed by whom?
August 2008 Update Who were the first two signers of the Declaration of Independence?
Was there really someone named George Washington Adams? Yes. His dad was John Quincy Adams, our sixth president. His grandfather was John Adams, our second president. And yup, our first president, George Washington, was a very good friend of the Adams', thus the name. We know a great deal about the high expectations of George Washington Adams through letters written to him from his father, "Letters of John Quincy Adams to His Son". Despite the star-studded name, loving guidance from his father and numerous heritage advantages, George Washington Adams led a troubled life. The future of this up and coming man never happened. On a return trip to America he fell overboard and drowned near New York. Suicide was suspected. He was only 28 years old. July 2008 Update Who was the brilliant founding father, known as "America's Schoolmaster", who did not sign either the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution?
June 2008 Update What two women have been both the wife of a president AND the mother of another president?
George Washington refused to be addressed as what? "His Highness, the President of the United States of America and Protector of Their Liberties". That is how the Congress, especially John Adams, wanted to address him. Instead, Washington simplified things - "Mr. President" was his choice - and the tradition began. Did the founding fathers believe education along with family should play a role in training children to serve God?
May 2008 Update Who served the shortest full single term as our president? It was John Adams. The other ten presidents who served a full single term served for 1,461 days. John served for 1,460. Why? Are you ready for this? There was no Leap Year during John Adam's presidency! Now that is trivia. Who were the only two presidents to sign the Constitution? George Washington and James Madison April 2008 Update Do you know where these words "ring true": "Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof"? You biblical scholars will find them in ... Leviticus 25:10. While on Mount Sinai the Lord was telling Moses about the promised land he was going to give to the people of Israel and the upcomingJubilee! You historians will find it in ... Philadelphia. They are the words inscribed on the Liberty Bell. How appropriate. They too would ring of a true Jubilee Celebration! Who proposed our government have three separate branches?
Who was the "forgotten founding father"?
March 2008 Update Did you know our second president, JOHN ADAMS, was the first president to live in the White House? He moved into the White House in November 1800 while the paint was still wet. It was an extremely sad time. Not only was it unfinished and uncomfortable, Adams and his wife Abigail were mourning the loss of one of their sons as well as preparing to end his presidential term which was only weeks away. Did you know more presidents have come from Virginia than any other state?
Do you know which state had the most signers of the Declaration of Independence?
Did you know many of America's most well-known universities were established by Christian communities? That's right. "106 of the first 108 colleges in America were founded on the Christian faith."1 Amazing. Today, looking at the humanistic thrust of some of these universities one can only wonder what happened to the original seeds of Christian influence.
February 2008 Update How can it be that 42 men have been President of the United States and yet we are going to elect our 44th? GROVER CLEVELAND was our 22nd president and our 24th president. He was the only president to have been elected in nonconsecutive terms. Incidentally he was also the first president to have a child, Esther, born in the White House. Who became known as the "Father of the American Revolution"? It was SAMUEL ADAMS, a cousin to President John Adams. Samuel's unequaled efforts to promote the Revolution andhis realization that to do so he must get all colonists to understand the cause for liberty united the colonies. His proposed "Committees of Correspondence" to educate all colonists took years but his first circular, "The Rights of the Colonists" was the first real public denial of the right of the British Parliament to tax the colonists. The "Great Awakening" (1740-1760) had planted the seeds of the American Revolution (1760-1790) - and Samuel Adams was one of the earlier seeds to blossom. Do you know what unusual event happened on July 4, 1826? John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of the key signers of the Declaration of Independence both died within a few hours of one another on July 4th . . . on America's 50th birthday,1826. What did George W. Bush and John Quincy adams have in common? Well of course each was president of the United States, George W. the 43rd and John Quincy the 6th. But more than that. Each followed in their fathers' footsteps. That's right, their fathers were both presidents - GEORGE H. W. BUSH the 41st and JOHN ADAMS the 2nd - making the Adams and the Bushes the only father-son combinations to hold America's highest office. Was July 4, 1776 the real birth of this nation? Well ... yes, but here is a closer look.
Do we have a responsibility to elect Godly leaders? Absolutely. Our founding fathers insisted that God gave us the opportunity as well as the responsibility to be governed by such men. Isn't it interesting that a founding father and a "politician" would answer such a question which targets the "church and state" controversy of today: "The Americans are the first people whom Heaven has favored with an opportunity of deliberating upon and choosing the forms of government under which they should live. Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." - John Jay, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Did you know the Preambles of all 50 state constitutions have a reference to the Almighty? Yup - amazing! All 50! The Founding Fathers intended for this country to acknowledge her spiritual legacy. To see a list of all the PREAMBLES and their references to God, click here.
1) Mark Beliles and Stephen McDowell, America's Providential History (Charlottesville, 1989) p. 109. 2) William J. Murray, The Pledge, (Chattanooga, 2007) p. 30-31 - paraphrase |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||