Peter Francisco, the “Virginia Giant,” dies

Peter Francisco, the “Virginia Giant,” dies   On this day in history, January 16, 1831, Peter Francisco, the “Virginia Giant,” dies. Peter was abandoned at the age of five years in City Point, Virginia (now Hopewell) by a sea captain. It is believed he was born in the Azores to

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General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, dies

General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, dies   On this day in history, January 15, 1783, General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, dies at Albany, New York. William Alexander was born in New York in 1726 to a wealthy family involved in provisioning the British army. Due to his experience in provisioning,

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The Treaty of Paris brings the American Revolution to a close

The Treaty of Paris brings the American Revolution to a close   On this day in history, January 14, 1784, the Treaty of Paris brings the American Revolution to a formal close. After the surrender of Lord Cornwallis’ army at Yorktown, Virginia in October, 1781, the British Parliament began to

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The Newburgh Conspiracy brings its demands to Philadelphia

The Newburgh Conspiracy brings its demands to Philadelphia   On this day in history, January 13, 1783, the Newburgh Conspiracy brings its demands to Philadelphia. In late 1782, negotiators in France were near to signing a peace treaty to end the hostilities of the American Revolution, alarming many officers in

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General Hugh Mercer dies

General Hugh Mercer dies   On this day in history, January 12, 1777, General Hugh Mercer dies from wounds received at the Battle of Princeton. General Mercer was born in Scotland in 1726 and trained as a doctor. He served as a surgeon in the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie

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Alexander Hamilton is born

Alexander Hamilton is born   On this day in history, January 11, 1755, Alexander Hamilton is born in the British West Indies. Hamilton was orphaned as a young boy and later attended King’s College in New York (now Columbia). Hamilton joined the New York militia when the Revolution began and

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John Paul Jones takes command of the Bonhomme Richard

John Paul Jones takes command of the Bonhomme Richard   On this day in history, January 10, 1779, John Paul Jones takes command of the Bonhomme Richard. John Paul Jones was born in Scotland and became a sailor at the age of thirteen. He eventually moved to Virginia and volunteered

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James Armistead, America’s slave spy gets his freedom

James Armistead, America’s slave spy gets his freedom   On this day in history, January 9, 1787, James Armistead, America’s slave spy gets his freedom from the Virginia legislature. Armistead was born into slavery in New Kent County, Virginia in 1748 in the household of William Armistead.   After Benedict

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General John Burgoyne’s play The Blockade of Boston is interrupted

General John Burgoyne’s play The Blockade of Boston is interrupted   On this day in history, January 8, 1776, General John Burgoyne’s play The Blockade of Boston is interrupted when colonists attack Charlestown. Unbeknownst to most, General John Burgoyne, the famous British General who surrendered his army at Saratoga, changing

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The first Electoral College is chosen

The first Electoral College is chosen   On this day in history, January 7, 1789, the first Electoral College is chosen. They would cast their votes for President on February 4 and would unanimously choose George Washington as the first President of the United States.   The election of 1789

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