1

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Image: Nik Shuliahin

It sounds crazy today, but the Louisiana Purchase almost doubled the size of the United States overnight. Thomas Jefferson, at the time, the third to occupy the position of President of the United States, bought the massive 828,000 sq mi territory from France for $15 million, securing vital land and resources.

The purchase, however, didn’t mean that the United States also gained control of the totality of the territory, as it was inhabited by Native Americans. But in any case, the acquisition paved the way for westward expansion, providing a vast area for exploration and settlement, while enhancing America's geopolitical influence.

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Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)

Image: Charles Marion Russell

Commissioned by Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark then embarked on a mission to map the newly acquired lands and find a viable route to the Pacific. Their legendary journey revealed the rich diversity of the western territories and established crucial relationships with Native American tribes.

Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, played a crucial role as an interpreter and guide, helping the expedition navigate difficult terrain and gain trust with native tribes, significantly contributing to the mission's success. Ultimately, their detailed reports opened the frontier to future explorers and settlers.

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The Oregon Trail (1811-1869)

Image: Dana Davis

Originally laid around 1811 by fur trappers and traders, the Oregon Trail soon became a critical route for thousands of emigrants moving west. Spanning over 2,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon, it was a perilous journey marked by harsh landscapes and, more often than not, disease.

Despite the hardships, the trail was improved to become passable by wagons, and it facilitated the mass migration of over 400,000 settlers during its peak, significantly contributing to the population growth and development of the Western United States.

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California Gold Rush (1848-1855)

Image: Viviana Rishe

The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 triggered a massive influx of fortune seekers to California. The Gold Rush not only boosted the economy but also accelerated California's admission claim as the 31st state in 1850.

While prospectors initially used simple techniques like panning, the increasing complexity of gold extraction eventually required significant financing, favoring mining companies. And though the gold rush generated wealth worth tens of billions in today's dollars, only a few became rich; most participants earned little more than they had started with.

5

Homestead Act (1862)

Image: Kevin Butz

Signed by President Abraham Lincoln, the Homestead Act offered 160 acres of public land to settlers willing to farm it for five years. The policy primarily encouraged individual farmers who were looking to operate their own farms, as opposed to slave owners who sought to buy large tracts of land and use slave labor.

The legislation encouraged widespread migration to the Great Plains, accelerating agricultural development and expanding American settlements across the West.

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Building of the Transcontinental Railroad (1863-1869)

Image: Johannes Plenio

The completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 revolutionized transportation in the United States. Connecting the East and West coasts, it facilitated trade, travel, and communication.

The extensive railroad network was built by three private companies on public lands, financed with federal bonds and various subsidies. Instrumental in the nation's economic growth, the Transcontinental Railroad also helped forge a sense of national unity and identity in the American consciousness.

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The Great Sioux War (1876-1877)

Image: Popular Graphic Arts

Also known as the Black Hills War, the Great Sioux War was a series of conflicts between the United States and the Sioux tribes. The war was sparked by the encroachment of settlers and gold prospectors on Native lands, a conflict that had been escalating since the early 19th century.

Despite many Native American victories, such as the Battle of Little Bighorn - better known as Custer's Last Stand -, the war ultimately ended in the tribes' displacement. The conflict officially finished with the Agreement of 1877, in which the Sioux tribes were forced to cede property rights of their lands to the federal government, while clearly demarcated Indian reservations were established.

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Oklahoma Land Rush (1889)

Image: Raychel Sanner

On April 22, 1889 - soon after the signing into law of the Indian Appropriations Act, which freed over two million acres of land for settlement - thousands of settlers raced to claim land in the Oklahoma Territory during the first of several land rushes.

Those who followed the rules and waited for the official start of the land rush were known as "boomers," while "sooners" sneaked into the territory before the designated time, risking penalties but gaining advantageous claims. This sparked hundreds of legal contests that had to be settled at local land offices or even by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

9

The Dawes Act (1887)

Image: Boston Public Library

The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing tribal lands into individual allotments. While intended to promote agriculture and integration, it resulted in the loss of tribal lands and culture.

The act was a controversial effort to reshape Native American society in the image of European-American settlers. It wasn’t until the Indian Reorganization Act, passed during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, that Native Americans regained some of their rights to own land collectively and form self-government.

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Closing of the Frontier (1890)

Image: Aaron Burden

In 1890, the U.S. Census Bureau declared the frontier closed, as there was no longer a discernible frontier line. This marked the end of a significant era of American expansion.

The closing of the frontier signified the nation's transition from a period of exploration and settlement to one of modernization and industrialization.

1

Thomas Jefferson: Patriot, president… And foodie?

Image: Pixzolo Photography

Let’s start with what is arguably Thomas Jefferson’s most criminally overlooked contribution to history. Next time you are dipping a delicious and crispy French fry in some ketchup, take a moment to thank our 3rd President, who is often considered solely responsible for bringing this recipe to America.

During his time serving as ambassador to France, Jefferson fell madly in love with more than a few mouth-watering French dishes, which included a recipe for "potatoes deep-fried while raw, in small cuttings." He brought these recipes back home with him, and, while French fries didn’t become particularly popular until the beginning of the 20th century, Jefferson is still credited for introducing this quintessential side dish to the United States.

2

Benjamin Franklin’s "fowl" enemy

Image: Tyler Donaghy

There’s no denying that America loves turkeys —they are the undisputed star of every Thanksgiving Day feast. Having said that, can you imagine a world in which the turkey is emblazoned on official documents or currency? Forget that: Can you picture the POTUS delivering an important speech behind a podium with a turkey on it?

America would have definitively been an entirely different country if Benjamin Franklin had been successful in choosing the turkey as our national symbol. In a letter, Franklin stated that he believed that the bald eagle was "a bird of bad moral character," while the turkey, in his view, was a "Bird of Courage" more aligned with American values.

3

John Hancock’s signature

Image: Signature Pro

The Declaration of Independence was surely a pivotal moment in our country’s history. This document provided the basis of freedom, liberty, and justice on which America was founded. As you probably know, Founding Father John Hancock had the honor of being the first to sign this ever-so-important piece of paper.

In turn, history has thanked Hancock in a rather unusual way, with the simple yet versatile slang term "to give your John Hancock," which means to sign your name onto something.

4

John Adams dog from hell

Image: Jamie Street

Ask anyone to tell you possible dog names for your new puppy and they might suggest timeless classics like "Spot," "Buddy," or "Rex." However, had you asked our 2nd President, his suggestions might have been a bit more daring. During his time in the White House, John Adams and his wife Abigail were the proud owners of an adorable dog that sported a terrifying name: Satan.

What’s interesting is that the Adams truly had a unique talent when it came to naming their pets. Alongside Satan, the couple also had a female dog named Juno and a horse called Cleopatra. In any case, don’t be too fast to judge Good Old Satan. As the saying goes, a dog by any other name is still a good boy.

5

Are any Fans of the Bard Out There?

Image: Taha

For many book critics, the world will never know another writer as incredible as William Shakespeare. His works still inspire admiration around the world, with millions of fans reading, commenting, and recreating many of his timeless plays. In that sense, would you be surprised to learn that two of our Founding Fathers were die-hard fans of the Bard?

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were self-proclaimed admirers of Shakespeare’s literature, frequently writing letters that praised his impeccable style. Adams once called the Bard "the great master of nature" and the "great teacher of morality and politics." Not only that, a popular legend states that, when both Founding Fathers visited Shakespeare’s home in England, they chipped a piece of his chair to take home as a souvenir.

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Whiskey that tastes like freedom

Image: Thomas Park

George Washington’s resume was certainly impressive: 1st President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and tactical mastermind. However, there’s another noteworthy activity that is often overlooked by history books— George Washington owned and ran a commercial whiskey distillery from his home in Mount Vernon.

Think about it: Is there any liqueur more likely to lift your "spirits" (see what we did there?) than a fine malt whiskey personally distilled by the "Father of Our Country"? The thousands of tourists that visit Mount Vernon every year seldom forget to visit the distillery.

7

Have you seen this dog?

Image: Joe Caione

Picture this: You are putting out signs in your block trying to locate your beloved and recently lost dog. All of a sudden you receive an unexpected call, informing you that they have found your dog and that it is currently in the care of none other than the President of the United States!

In all honesty, that’s not exactly how the story went, but it’s a true testament to George Washington’s honor and etiquette. According to historians, a little fox terrier named Lila was found by Continental Army troops behind American lines after the Battle of Germantown in 1777. After learning from the dog’s collar that she belonged to an enemy soldier, Washington ordered for the dog to be returned to her rightful owner, with a note assuring him that she was unharmed and safe.

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Fancy a cold one?

Image: Drew Beamer

George Washington was not the only Founding Father adept at brewing alcoholic beverages. The great city of Boston proudly boasts an iconic beer brand named after Samuel Adams , paying homage to the beer-brewing past of this Founding Father.

There’s another bit of fun trivia regarding "Samuel Adams Beer": If you’ve ever enjoyed a pint of this delicious beer, you probably saw Adams raising a beer glass on its label. However, some theorize that the man depicted in the logo might actually be fellow patriot Paul Revere. Having said that, there’s no solid evidence to back this up, other than the fact that both revolutionaries looked a little similar.

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Thomas Jefferson’s magical cookbook

Image: Hayden Walker

As mentioned earlier, Thomas Jefferson was a bit of a foodie. Granted, he would look at us in complete bewilderment if he heard us call him a "foodie," but it’s safe to say he loved good cuisine. Besides bringing French fries to our country, every American should salute and pay tribute to the 3rd President for yet another culinary jewel: Mac and cheese.

Again, we should clarify that the recipe Jefferson brought wasn’t exactly the one you would find in a box of Kraft. However, he would often serve his dinner guests macaroni pasta, paired with a cheese sauce that closely resembles the dish we know and love today. It’s believed that Jefferson’s delighted guests helped popularize this creation, which would eventually become one of America’s favorite meals.

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Benjamin Franklin purposely misspelled "Pennsylvania"

Image: Adam Nir

We’ll end with a remarkably smart mistake that came from a remarkably smart man. Benjamin Franklin was behind some of the earlier forms of currency in the United States. After moving to Philadelphia in 1723, he became involved in printing money, which had only recently started circulating around Pennsylvania. As the great inventor that he was, Franklin added some remarkably clever ways to bypass counterfeiters and help differentiate his bills from possible fakes.

One of the smartest—and possibly simplest—features Franklin introduced was purposely misspelling the word "Pennsylvania" on his bills. After all, such a blatant and evident mistake would immediately inform anyone that this bill came from Franklin’s own hand.

1

10/12

Image: Sue Winston

We know that the Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, but did you know that Congress originally proposed 12 amendments? That's right! Yet, the states ratified only 10, leaving two out.

But here's the interesting part: One of these unratified amendments —the one concerning congressional compensation— was ratified more than 200 years later! In 1992, it became the 27th Amendment, which is also the last one.

2

World record

Image: Pierre Bamin

Our Constitution was signed in the 18th century, and while we know it's been a long time, what you might not know is that it is considered the world's oldest written national constitution still in effect today.

With various changes and amendments added over the years, this document not only defined the ideals of our nation but also earned us a world record!

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The youngest

Image: MJ S

The men who signed this historic document were of varying ages. In fact, the age difference between the youngest and oldest signer was a remarkable 55 years!

The youngest to sign was attorney Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey, who was 26 years old at the time. Do you want to know who was the oldest? Keep reading!

4

The oldest

Image: Adam Nir

Well, as we mentioned, there was a 55-year age gap between the youngest and oldest signers of the US Constitution.

Do you know who the oldest was? That's right, Benjamin Franklin! He was a distinguished 81 years old when he signed this historic document.

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500 copies

Image: Christa Dodoo

The original Constitution had 500 copies printed for distribution, made by the Founding Fathers themselves. They distributed those copies to members of Congress and state legislatures. Of those 500 original copies, however, only 13 are known to exist today. We have to say that, given that more than 230 years have passed, it's impressive that so many have survived!

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How much?

Image: Jp Valery

Logically, since so few original copies remain, they ' re incredibly rare and valuable. In fact, one of these original documents was sold in 2021, and you won't believe its price!

You might have imagined it was sold for $5 million, maybe $10 million. But no, this invaluable copy went for $43.2 million. With that sale, it also became the most expensive historical document ever sold at an auction.

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30 bucks

Image: Barry A

The person who transcribed the original US Constitution signed in 1787 had an important job, didn't he? The man who accomplished this major deed was Jacob Shallus, a clerk of the Pennsylvania General Assembly at the time. He was responsible for taking the text drafted by the Founding Fathers and transcribing it onto parchment: over 4,000 words scribbled down entirely by hand! Surprisingly, he was paid just $30 for this task.

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Let's celebrate

Image: Kelly Sikkema

In 1789, long before Thanksgiving became an official national holiday, President George Washington issued a proclamation declaring November 26 as a day to give thanks. As it was an occasion for national gratitude, he also encouraged citizens to celebrate the birth of the new nation and the recently established Constitution.

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A spelling issue

Image: Katherine McAdoo

Being a text from so long ago, some words —particularly proper nouns— may have changed slightly since the Constitution was first drafted. This was the case for the state of Pennsylvania, which is spelled as "Pensylvania" in the original document. However, while some may consider it a misspelling today, it was actually an accepted spelling for the state's name in the 18th century.

Fun fact: You can also find "Pensylvania" engraved on the Liberty Bell!

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The Father of the Constitution

Image: Richard Hedrick

"The Father of the Constitution" is one of the nicknames given to James Madison, one of our Founding Fathers. And it's these very words that appear on the rare $5,000 bill.

Although this bill is no longer in circulation, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one, you'll read "James Madison, The Father of the Constitution" next to the portrait of the 4th U.S. President.