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It's (the Waning Minutes of) Bunker Hill Day

Boston, well after the Battle of Bunker Hill.
 
 
Earlier today, and for some reason that's slipped from memory, I googled the lyrics to "Yankee Doodle." Yes, I'm embarrassed to admit, I couldn't remember all of the words to Yankee Doodle, a song I probably sang a thousand times when I was growing up. Be that as it may, I went from Yankee Doodle to another link to another link and I noticed that today was the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775. It was early in the Revolutionary War and the goal for the Continental troops was to break the Siege of Boston. 
 
I've spent a good part of this evening reading about the Revolutionary War. I know I studied it in elementary school and then again in high school, but so many details have been lost in the swirl of decades. I've always enjoyed the study of history -- it was my minor in college -- and have continued reading about history in the years since college. But I've forgotten how much I enjoyed learning about past events, especially early American history. I think it's time to start reading again, and learning more about events that took place in New York. I grew up in Connecticut and we learned the history of Connecticut and New England, but I never formally studied New York history.
 
One of my summer projects is to find the remnants of the Revolutionary War in New York City. The Battle of Brooklyn/Long Island is at the top of my list to learn about. In the next two months -- before the anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, August 27 -- we'll be going to history summer school. But it's going to be a fun summer school -- out of doors and with an iced coffee in hand.
 
That's one of my summer projects. What are your special plans for the summer?
 
As ever thanks for visiting and have a sweet Saturday!

9 comments

Unknown said...

The history of New York is fascinating - George Washington was really here and if it weren't for Alexander Hamilton New York would be the capital of the United States. Growing up in Brooklyn I had to learn both NY and Brooklyn.

I used to tell my mother that it wasn't fair that I had to learn so much more history than she did.

Catherine said...

History is fascinating and NY has so much to offer. xo Catherine

Terra said...

I like your summer project of exploring history and the Battle of Brooklyn. I like reading about history too, sometimes biographies are easy gateways. I still have John Adams by David McCullough waiting for me to read it; you are inspiring me to read it this summer.

Paula said...

My youngest son's minor in college was history also. My grandson is a huge history buff. I will admit I am lacking in my knowledge of history. I did just read on Facebook that today is the anniversary of the arrival of the Statue of Liberty into the New York Harbor .

Lynda said...

I did not like history until my senior year in high school when Miss Baker was our teacher. She made it about more than dates and facts. She told it like a story and almost made it sound like she was gossiping about the neighbors! Such a phenomenal teacher. I then enjoyed history again when we homeschooled for four and a half years. We used Christian Curriculum so Biblical History was interwoven with "regular" historical events.

I am fascinated with WW II and the Civil War - - specifically those who hid the Jews and those who operated the Underground Railroad. I totally relate to people like Corrie ten Boom and Harriet Tubman but I wonder if I would ever have that courage. And I still don't know how people survived the concentration camps.

One thing about history is we see some extremely brave heroes but we also see horrible crimes against humanity. I Praise the Lord that torture and cruelty still turn my stomach and make me want to pass out.

And I have gone down a rabbit trail! So glad you posted about Bunker Hill though. And so glad we still love to learn. That is a blessing that many don't have. Someone (college graduate mid-life) asked me once why I went to the library if I didn't have to write a paper. This person didn't understand that I would have LOVED to had the time to read many of the books on those shelves!!!

TARYTERRE said...

History is always fascinating. Sounds like you enjoy it. Exploring places that were touched by important events is not only educational but interesting for sure.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I love history and always have. There is a lot of it in your part of world. Summer here is full of lots of relaxation and laziness - just keeping cool. No big plans but will be reading a lot.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

I think it is good and important to know history. I think it helps one to value the things in their life and the "life" of their nation. True history is so much more than just dry dates and facts. It's a picture of a time, a view into how people lived, worked, played. How they thought and why they thought it.
Barbara from Life & Faith in Caneyhead

Kelly @ Homespuns 'n Hayfields said...

Hi, thanks for dropping in on my blog. It was great to have you visit.

American history...I love it. Although I'm Canadian, I was told my great, great, great...(not sure how many greats lol) grandfather was in the American Revolutionary War and I've tried to find information about him. I have been travelling through the United States most of my life and have become fascinated with American history.

Enjoy your excursion and I hope you find what you're looking for, it sounds like a lot of fun!