I recently ventured into the world of book writing, and my first novel has been released! My intention with this novel is to provide kids, or really anyone, the opportunity to travel even if they cannot due to a variety of circumstances. As a child, I was unable to travel and visit places as my friends did, but by reading books, I reached the far edges of the world and experienced many historical events! Those books shaped my lifelong passion for learning and travel! Today I

Computer bug.... In 1664, Dutch Governor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered New Amsterdam, the capital of New Netherland, to an English naval squadron under Colonel Richard Nicolls. Stuyvesant had hoped to resist the English, but he was unpopular, and his Dutch subjects refused to rally around him. Following its capture, New Amsterdam’s name was changed to New York, in honor of the Duke of York, who organized the mission. In 1739, Early in the morning, twenty Black Carolinians met

Lincoln Douglas Debates In 1776, Suspense hangs over New York. Brigadier General William Livingston writes to Washington in “utmost haste.” A spy sent to Staten Island has returned with alarming news: The British are ready to strike, perhaps “this night at farthest.” In 1776, A violent storm bursts over New York City, lightning and thunder crashing almost without pause. Houses catch fire. Soldiers are struck down, including 10 men killed in a single flash. To those waiting

“The President ought to act under the strongest impulses of rewards and punishments, which are the strongest incentives to human actions. There are two ways of securing this point. He ought to depend on the people of America for his appointment and continuance in office: He ought also to be responsible in equal degree to all the States; and to be tried by dispassionate Judges: His responsibility ought further to be direct and immediate.” James Monroe, Virginia Ratifying Conve

Opha May Johnson - 1st Female Marine In 1776, Washington prepares for the attack he believes is now close at hand. He tells the army that the enemy’s reinforcements have arrived and frames the coming fight as a test of “Liberty, Property, Life and Honor.” Soldiers must stand firm: Anyone who skulks or retreats without orders may be shot, while those who distinguish themselves will be rewarded. Washington also sends away the official papers in his possession, packed in a naile

“This government is a complete system, not only for making, but for executing laws. And the courts of law, which will be constituted by it, are not only to decide upon the constitution and the laws made in pursuance of it, but by the officers subordinate to them to execute all their decisions.” Brutus, Essay 11 January 31, 1788

“When a building is to be erected which is intended to stand for ages, the foundation should be firmly laid. The constitution proposed to your acceptance, is designed not for yourselves alone, but for generations yet unborn.” Brutus, Essay II, November 1787

“Here is a revolution as radical as that which separated us from Great Britain. It is as radical, if in this transition our rights and privileges are endangered, and the sovereignty of the states be relinquished.” Patrick Henry, Virginia Ratifying Convention - June 4-5, 1788

Marquis de Lafayette in battle In 1586, Walter Raleigh brought the first tobacco to England from Virginia. In 1776, Washington writes to John Hancock about recruitment. He fears officers will have little success in raising men for a new three-year army unless Congress provides stronger incentives. Washington recommends offering the men land. In 1776, on Long Island, Nathanael Greene detains four Queens County men trying to slip toward Staten Island. They insist they are not