I love the Fourth of July.
Not becuase of the fireworks or the food. Definitely not for the heat!
I love the Fourth of July for the history.
I honestly can’t remember when my love affair with Colonial and Revolutionary American history began. Johnny Tremain, maybe? Or hearing about Betsy Ross—one of the few women we were taught about in elementary school history? What I do know is that at some point the crux of my interest centered around John and Abigail Adams. Because who doesn’t love a good romance?
Did I read Irving Stone’s Those Who Love in high school or college? (In case you aren’t familiar, it’s a biographical novel about John and Abigail.) I can’t remember. But I know that by college I was hooked. Which made my year at Dickinson College with Jeff a dream come true in more ways than one! Not only did I get to see my boyfriend, and then fiancé, every day, but I was soaking in early American history. After all, Dickinson College was founded in 1783 by Benjamin Rush. So many colonial and revolutionary sites were within reach that year.
But even when I returned to Texas, my focus was fixed. I did my college honors thesis on Abigail Adams and spent a whole summer reading their letters to one another. It was fascinating.
I’ve visited the Adams’ home in Braintree, MA several times–it’s one of my favorite historical places–as well as the homes of many other founding fathers and early presidents and revolutionary leaders. I’ve also visited Williamsburg a couple of times and, again, feel like I’m living in history when I’m there. Then there are all the books and movies and even musicals (Hello, Hamilton.) that feed my love of that period of history.
The first novel I ever wrote was set during the American Revolution. I haven’t written another until now. And while this current book I’m writing doesn’t deal with the revolution head-on, it is set within those years, so the events of the day make an impact, no matter how slight.
Still, I ask myself why? Why does this time period appeal to me so much?
I think because it was so fraught with possibility. So many different kinds of people coming to a vast land for so many different reasons. Yes, they brought with them their “Englishness” (or whatever country they came from), but it didn’t take too many years for them to become something new. Something American.
Of course, there are issues in all that history, as there are in all history, because there is sin in the world. Nothing is perfect. In fact, our history is often times downright evil. But those early “Americans” tried to put together something they hoped would be better than where they came from. And I believe it is.
However, as much as our country is inspired by freedom and inalienable rights, it will never be God’s kingdom on earth, in spite of the fact that some then wanted it to be—and some do now as well. Only the New Heavens and the New Earth, with Jesus reigning as King, will bring the perfection and the freedom our souls long for. But that doesn’t mean I love my country or its history any less!
Is there a part of American colonial or revolutionary history appeals most to you?
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I so enjoyed this post, D’Ann, and share your love of history. And of the 4th too, for the exact same reasons. Oh, and the fun foods! 😉
Enjoy the holiday (and food!)–and the history, Tammy!
You have piqued my interest in Abigail Adams, D’Ann! I realy don’t know much about her, but now I’m anxious to learn more. Is Those Who Love a good place to start? Or is there another book you recommend?
I have only been to the east coast once, a trip to Baltimore. We didn’t have time for much, but I made my husband take me to a few of the historic places there like the Star Spangled Banner house and the inner harbor. The history in the northeast is so rich and amazing. I need to go back and explore more.
Yes, anywhere in the original 13 can give you some great history of Colonial America. I haven’t read Those Who Love in years, but yes, it’s a good place to start. She was an amazing woman, as was her friend Mercy Otis Warren. I can always send you my paper on Abigail. 😂😂
I love that time period as well and was fascinated when I learned of the civilian group that were spies for George Washington including a homemaker and a farmer. It’s amazing how God formed a nation out of so many diverse citizens!
Yes! So many great stories of “normal” people who contributed to the effort!
Several years ago I discovered a mystery series in which Abigail Adams was the protagonist. I can’t remember the author’s name. (I think the first name was Barbara, but that could be wrong).
I devoured the books! I loved the view of colonial life & the mystery as well.
Keep up the writing!
Yes! I read the first one of that series. It was good.
This post was especially interesting for me because I live in Carlisle, PA close to Dickinson College. Carlisle area has much history both Revolutionary and Civil War eras. Also Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Baltimore are close enough for interesting historical day trips. Years ago I visited John and Abigail Adams home in MA.
Yes! My husband was in Carlisle for 4 years at Dickinson. I was only there one year. We’ve been so many places up there since he is from central PA and now our daughter lives in Boston. So much history to experience!
Great post! I’m currently writing a historical short story in 1776 for my ACFW chapter anthology releasing in 2026. Love the history!
I’ve visited Williamsburg and Boston many times and enjoyed walking those streets filled with the past.
Thanks for sharing.