William Eaton was a U.S. Army officer who led an expedition of U.S. Marines and hired mercenaries to Derna, Tripoli during the First Barbary War in 1805. He was the first American to lead forces into battle on foreign soil and raise the American Flag in victory over the enemies of the United States. WilliamContinue reading “Heroes From History: William Eaton”
Tag Archives: History and Origins
Iconic Weapons: The Messer
The “messer,” meaning “long knife” in German, is a weapon which was prominent in Germanic territories during the Renaissance era. It was called this for its hilt, which was constructed with a full tang and lacked a pommel, making it akin to a very large knife. The weapon was used throughout the 15th and 16thContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: The Messer”
Iconic Weapons: Falchion
The falchion is a one-handed, single-edged sword of European design which saw widespread use in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was noted to have seen service as late as the 16th century, but then began to fall out of use. The blade of the falchion is similar in design to the Persian scimitar andContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Falchion”
He Has Not Yet Begun to Fight
John Paul Jones is often considered one of the Fathers of the United States Navy. He was a privateer who joined the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. However, since he worked with mercenaries, pirates, and other soldiers of fortune under his command, he found himself betrayed by his own crew on more thanContinue reading “He Has Not Yet Begun to Fight”
Historic Events: John Paul Jones’ Whiteraven Raid
On this day, 244 years ago on April 10, 1778, John Paul Jones set sail aboard the USS Ranger from Brest, France on mission to harass British ships near the mainland. John Paul Jones was commissioned as a first lieutenant with the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775. His crew on the USS Ranger, however,Continue reading “Historic Events: John Paul Jones’ Whiteraven Raid”
Heroes From History: Thomas Jefferson
On March 27, 1775, 247 years ago today, Thomas Jefferson was elected to the Second Continental Congress as a Virginia delegate. During this time, he worked on drafts for several important documents, including the Virginia Constitution and The Declaration of Independence. Throughout his political career, Jefferson also served as the governor of Virginia, the firstContinue reading “Heroes From History: Thomas Jefferson”
Iconic Weapons: Greek Fire
Greek Fire – also referred to as “Roman Fire,” “Liquid Fire,” and “Byzantine Fire” – was an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire in the 7th Century. It was a flammable compound made from of unknown mixture of materials which is still not verified to this day and perhaps never will be. The recipeContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Greek Fire”
The Spirit of Thanksgiving
The story of Thanksgiving holds many common themes found in numerous holidays from across the ages. A people sent adrift in a strange land, unprepared for the perils and hardship. They find themselves set upon by famine and hunger, threatened with oblivion. Then, a kind people take notice of their plight and offer a tradeContinue reading “The Spirit of Thanksgiving”
Fateful Flight of the Stars and Stripes
This weekend was the 244th anniversary of the first time the American Flag was flown in battle. On September 3, 1777 the red, white, and blue banner with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes was first flown during the Battle of Cooch’s Bride in Delaware. Under the command of General William Maxwell, Continental forces raised theContinue reading “Fateful Flight of the Stars and Stripes”
Heroes From History: Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner
Human history is filled with stories about bravery, brotherhood, and the power of friendship. There are many instances throughout the existence of our species which exemplify these traits and inspire us to be better than we are. This is one of those tales, which despite not having the happiest of endings, speaks to the importanceContinue reading “Heroes From History: Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner”
The Pensive Warrior 