Today in History: Thomas Paine Publishes First Chapter of “The American Crisis”
On this date in 1776, Thomas Paine published the first chapter of The American Crisis. As historian Robert Dennehy put it, the essays helped “recharge the American Revolution.” “These are the times that try men’s souls…” It is the week of...
Today in History: Founding Father Hugh Williamson Born
On this date in 1735, Hugh Williamson, a remarkable founding-era figure from North Carolina, was born. Williamson’s name is seldom mentioned alongside the famous characters of his day, but his life was arguably as significant. He prophetically warned in 1774,...
Today in History: Preparations Begin for Impeachment Trial of Justice Samuel Chase
Today in 1804, the Jeffersonian Republican-controlled United States Senate appointed a committee to plan the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, Chase had been impeached by the House of Representatives...