Thomas Paine Played Dodgeball With Death
The are many interesting facets of Thomas Paine’s life, but one that has often gone unmentioned by many other scholars was his capacity to elude an early death. On no less than seven occasions, the eminent writer’s life was almost cut short. On one occasion, fate...
Today in History: Second Continental Congress Convenes
On this date in 1775, representatives from the several colonies met in Philadelphia, forming the Second Continental Congress. Its primary purpose was to determine a colonial response to controversial happenings in New England. Massachusetts militia had recently...
Today in History: Benedict Arnold Captures and Destroys Richmond
Today in history, on January 5, 1781, much of Richmond, Virginia was burned to the ground by a British naval force led by Benedict Arnold. It was his most significant military retort against his former cause, a devastating strike that followed his dramatic betrayal....