During this week in 1727, a Patriot is born. In later years, some people would think that Artemas Ward was the obvious choice to lead the American army through the long Revolutionary War years—not George Washington!
Can you imagine our nation today if there had never been a General Washington?
Probably not. But what you don’t know is that there might not have been an army to lead in the first place, but for Ward’s contributions during the early weeks of the war.
Ward was a graduate of Harvard College who was popular and respected in his community. He was elected to public offices and fought in the French and Indian War. When tensions rose with England, he was at the forefront of the Patriot cause. The Royal Governor stripped Ward of his command, but Ward reportedly declared that he was “twice honored.” It was “evidence that I am, what he is not, a friend to my country.”
The colonial government in Massachusetts later named Ward a brigadier general. Thus, when the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired at Lexington and Concord, Ward left to meet the Massachusetts militia outside Boston. Once there, he discovered a problem.
The story continues here:
Permalink: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-artemas-ward
On this day in 1907, an American heroine is born. Why, exactly, did Mary Babnik Brown become a hero? The details are uncertain, but one basic fact is undisputed: Mary got a haircut—and it helped our country during World War II.
Was Mary’s hair used to create crosshairs for Norden bombsights? Or was it simply used for meteorological instruments?
Mary was living in Pueblo, Colorado, during the opening months of World War II. One day, she saw an advertisement in a local newspaper: The government needed hair—but not just any hair. It needed hair that was at least “22” long, blonde, and has never been treated with chemicals or hot irons.”
The story continues here: http://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-mary-babnik-brown
On this day in 1787, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania begins ratification debates on the United States Constitution. You might imagine a bunch of dull Founders tamely approving a document, but the events that followed in Pennsylvania were anything but tame.
To the contrary, Pennsylvania’s story includes an irate minority, legislators hauled through the streets, and rousing speeches to huge crowds. Can you imagine what modern news stations would do with such raucous events today!?!
Trouble began soon after the Constitutional Convention adjourned on September 17.
The story continues here: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-pa-ratify-constitution
On this day in 1780, a motley band of American militia defeat the much-loathed Banastre “Bloody Ban” Tarleton at the Battle of Blackstock’s.
Perhaps you remember the fictitious villain, Colonel William Tavington, from Mel Gibson’s “The Patriot”? Bloody Ban Tarleton was the real-life inspiration for Tavington.
The conflict at Blackstock’s began, at least in part, because British General Charles Cornwallis was becoming increasingly frustrated with American Brigadier General Thomas Sumter. The so-called “Carolina Gamecock” was a constant thorn in the British General’s side. Cornwallis wanted Sumter caught, and he decided to send the much-feared Tarleton to accomplish this task.
The story continues here: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-battle-blackstocks
