A Dead End Job – Madison’s Vice Presidents
Only one President had two Vice Presidents die during his time in office. James Madison served two terms as President, and both times the...
The Washington Administration – Foreign Affairs
Foreign affairs reached a critical point almost immediately after Washington took office. The British and the French were in conflict all around the world,...
Presidential Party Hoppers
In addition to his other duties, the President of the United States is also the leader of his political party. A number of our...
The President’s Lady – Hannah Hoes Van Buren
Martin Van Buren’s wife never made it to the White House. She died eighteen years before her husband was elected President. Still, this “almost...
White House Heroes
Many well-known and celebrated heroes have lived in the White House. Some have gotten to the White House on the popularity of their reputations...
Life After the White House, Part 4
With the assassination of President William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt became President. Roosevelt’s retirement could hardly be called that. After leaving the White House in...
Almost President – Hannibal Hamlin
Hannibal Hamlin missed being President by five weeks. Most history students know that Abraham Lincoln’s Vice President was Andrew Johnson, who became President when...
Presidential Children – Tippecanoe’s Ten
William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) is remembered for a number of reasons. He was the first Whig President, and the first half of a famous...
Presidential Children – Tyler’s 15, Still a Record
John Tyler, President from 1841-1845, had two wives. Both were First Ladies, and between them had fifteen children, which is still the record for...
The Natick Cobbler – Henry Wilson, Part 2
In the Senate, Wilson was compared somewhat unfavorably to the other Massachusetts Republican Senator, Charles Sumner. Sumner was a powerful, eloquent orator with great...
Latest article
From Papyrus to Paper
Papyrus is an Egyptian water plant that has enabled man to preserve from oblivion the records of dynasties long since passed into history. The...
Qanats: Ancient Underground Aqueducts
Approximately 3000 years ago, clever technicians in the Middle East developed a method for moving water that was reliable, ecologically sound, pollution-free, long-lasting and...
The Golden Age of Canals: Europe Embraced Canal Usage and Development
Europe may not have been the first area of the world to use canals, but they embraced the idea of canals and developed them...