Tag Archives: History

It’s pioneer day!

In 1800, the American West was still wild country – no cities, no railroads and no cattle ranches yet existed. It was quiet and untouched. People in the eastern U.S. had heard stories about the western mountains and the desert, but only the Native Americans had been there.

Learn more about this period in American history.

There are many children’s books that take place during this time period. Little House on the Prairie or any of the other books by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a favorite read-aloud book for school age children. Check the library for stories about Davey Crockett and tall tales about Paul Bunyan.


It’s National Anthem Day!

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. It was written by Francis Scott Key. National Anthem Day celebrates  this song, and the rich history behind its creation. The song officially became our national anthem on March 3, 1931.

Celebrate today by proudly flying the flag. Also listen to and sing the Star-Spangled Banner.

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Many people think the Star Spangled Banner was written during the Revolutionary War. It was actually written during the war of 1812 (1812-1814).

In August 1814, the British army detained Dr. William Beanes as a prisoner of war. He was a friend of Francis Scott Key. On Sept. 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key and a U.S. negotiator boarded a British vessel where Beanes was being held. He negotiated his friends’ release. But then, Francis Scott Key was detained that day along with the negotiator. They were held until after the attack on Fort McHenry, which guarded the harbor and city of Baltimore.

He watched the bombardment of the fort from the ship. The next morning, he was ecstatic to see that the American flag was still flying over Fort McHenry. This historic event inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner” the following day (September 14, 1814).

It’s Johnny Appleseed day!

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Johnny Appleseed Day

Today is Johnny Appleseed Day.  Johnny Appleseed Day honors one of America’s great legends. Johnny Appleseed was a real person. John Chapman was among the American settlers who were captivated by the movement west across the continent. As Johnny Appleseed travelled west, he planted apple trees along the way, and sold trees to settlers. With every apple tree that was planted, the legend grew.

A Little About the Legend:

  • John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) was born on September 26, 1774.
  • He was a nurseryman who started out planting trees in western New York and Pennsylvania.
  • During the life of John Chapman, the “West” was places like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.
  • John Chapman was a deeply religious person He was known to preach during his travels.
  • According to legend, Johny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little. He rarely accepted money and often donated any money he received.
  • It is believed that he died on March 11, 1845, from what was referred to as the “winter plague”. The actual date of his death has been disputed.

There is a lot of “legend” in stories written about Johny Appleseed. By it’s definition, over the years, legends grow bigger than life. It also appears that there is some link between Johny Appleseed and very early Arbor Day celebrations.

Celebrate today by making homemade applesauce.   Here is simple recipe to follow with the kids:

Smooth or chunky applesauce is a great way to eat your daily fruits.

Ingredients
  • 6 tart apples
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into chunks. Place the apples in a large nonreactive saucepan, and add the lemon juice and water. Stir in the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes or until the apples are soft.
  2. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the cinnamon and raisins, if desired. Stir lightly for a chunky sauce and rigorously for a smooth sauce. For a pink applesauce, use red apples and leave the skins on. Once the apples are soft, you can strain out the skins or lift them from the sauce with a fork. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

Valentine’s Day history

Every February we celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those we love. We do this in honor of Saint Valentine. You may be wondering, “Who is St. Valentine”? Time to brush up on your Valentine’s history!

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. The Emperor at that time, Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger army. Supposedly, Valentine, decided this decree was not fair and married young couples in secret. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine’s actions he had his head cut off making him a martyr of love.

Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first ‘valentine’ himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it ‘Your Valentine’, words still used on cards today.

Perhaps we’ll never know the true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure…February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Valentines ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.

For some fun children’s activities including crafts, coloring pages, games, puzzles and poems goto:

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/index.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/valentines-day/

Fall Festival at Mount Vernon

Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon. Oct 27, 28, 9am – 5pm. The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demos, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price this weekend only. Admission: adults, $15; Children ages 6-11, $7; and Children under 5 FREE. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria. www.mountvernon.org

Dinosaurs in Culpepper?

Triassic Culpeper: The Dinosaurs of Stevensburg

Trek through Culpeper’s Triassic period with the dinosaurs.

Learn about our dinosaurs, their habitat, and the science of Paleontology.

Examine a locally excavated pair of 215 million year old tracks.

M U S E U M   O F   C U L P E P E R  H I S T O R Y      803 South Main Street       Culpeper, VA 22701        540-829-1749

www.culpepermuseum.com

Hours:   Monday through Saturday 10am to 5 pm      Sunday 1pm to 5 pm

Admission:   Children (18 and under) and Culpeper residents free      Out of town guests $3.00