Photo credit: Clermont, the first steam ship, designed by Robert Fulton, 1807. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images Known for developing the first commercially successful steamboat with the help of business partner Robert Livingston, Robert Fulton began his life as an author and later turned his focus to engineering. He married the niece of his steamboat business partner, […]
Author Archives: Sharon Virts
Thomas Jackson and the origins of Memorial Day
Mourners at Jackson’s grave On May 10, 1863, “Stonewall” Jackson died after being accidentally shot at the battle of Chancellorsville. Known as one of the most gifted tactical commanders in US History, much has been published about his war record. But did you know that the anniversary of his death became the date selected by many towns […]
#DidYouKnow – April Fools’
#DidYouKnow – The origin of April Fools’ Day is unknown but it is one of the most widely known holidays in the Western world. It appears to be an ancient tradition — with possible roots going back to the Roman spring festival of Hilaria. A Flemish poet wrote a comedic verse in 1561 about a […]
A Box of Books for Christmas
From my earliest days, my world has been filled with writing and reading. When I was growing up, my parents had little money to spend on non-essentials, and Christmastime was no exception. New toys were few, with most of Santa’s gifts having been loved before by some other child. Every Christmas, my biggest gift under […]
The Lovely Lee Sisters of Coton Farm
“The sisters were surrounded by a gaggle of doting admirers. Winnie Lee, the fiery, red-haired, hazel eyed beauty, was directly behind Fanny, sitting in an oversized chair between the fair-haired Betsy and the dark-haired Molly. There were nearly half a dozen men at their feet.” –Masque of Honor There are various accounts of just how […]
American Romanticism: 19th Century Literature & Ideology
The 19th Century was an incredibly rich time in American history. In the wake of the American Revolution and the War of 1812, the United States was still at the early stages of forming its own identity and a culture of its own. This time period, historically remembered as the Romantic Era, greatly affected American […]
Living History: Coton Farm
When Thomas Lee (1690-1750) of Stratford Hall, first saw the land where the Potomac River and Goose Creek met, he made arrangements to have 800 acres of that land set aside for himself. Thomas Lee and his wife, Hannah Harrison Ludwell (1701-1750) had eleven children. Two of their sons, Francis Lightfoot Lee and Richard Henry […]
Big Lies in a Small Town Book Review
For this month’s book club, I selected Big Lies in a Small Town, by Diane Chamberlain. After the seriousness of last month’s pick, I wanted a lighter story for April. Why I chose this book? I was looking for a “gentle” read this month; a story that was easy to fall into and kept me engaged. […]
The Nickel Boys Book Review
For this month’s book club, I selected The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehouse. Why I chose this book? Released in 2019, The Nickel Boys was named by Time Magazine as one of the ten best books of the decade. Additionally, Colson Whitehead is a Pulitzer Prize winning author. Coming off the heels of Black History Month, I wanted to […]
Influenza Pandemics in the 19th Century
Throughout human history, epidemics have had enormous impact on the civilizations of the world. From great plaques to disfiguring disease, mankind has been at constant war with these invisible enemies. During the 18th century, there were thirteen severe epidemics throughout the world. In the 19th century, there were twelve. Historians and virologists estimate that eight […]
