The History List

We may be that partner. In fact, I’ve sent you two email messages in the last 30 minutes and they have both bounced. Please check out TheHistoryListStore.com and then click on “Our Story” in the footer and you will find a link to my email address toward the bottom of that page. I look forward to hearing from you—Lee Wright | Founder

@briannalyman2 If I find a partner for printing! I'll certainly post if I do!

Here it is, as promised, a bandana in celebration of the USA's 250th birthday! I included some close-ups too. It's square, it's vintage inspired, and it's 100% 'Merica!

More from yesterday atop Dorchester Heights. Thanks to Jonathan Lane of @REV250BOS and all of the interpreters and other participants in the parade for a very memorable 250th! Huzzah to Henry Knox, General George Washington, and the thousands of men who dug and manned the emplacements and defenses.

America at 250 March 17, 1776, from this hill, history changed. In early March 1776, General George Washington made a bold move. Under the cover of darkness, Continental soldiers fortified Dorchester Heights and hauled heavy cannons, brought from Fort Ticonderoga by Henry Knox, into position overlooking Boston Harbor. By morning, British General William Howe woke to find American artillery aimed directly at the city and the Royal Navy below. The position was impossible to ignore. After nearly 11 months of siege, the British realized Boston could no longer be held. Rather than risk destruction, Howe ordered a withdrawal. On March 17, 1776, more than 8,000 British troops and over 1,000 Loyalists boarded ships and sailed for Halifax, ending the British occupation of Boston. It was George Washington’s first major victory of the Revolutionary War, and the first American city freed from British control. Today, Boston still remembers this moment as Evacuation Day, and fittingly, it falls on St. Patrick’s Day. For generations, Boston’s vibrant Irish community has embraced March 17 as a celebration of both Irish heritage and American independence. And it all began here… on the heights above the harbor.

Thanks to Jonathan Lane and @REV250BOS for organizing this great event.

Going on now at Dorchester Heights on the 250th anniversary of evacuation day, the day British forces and more than 1,000 Loyalists set sail, leaving Boston forever. Photos of the parade to the Monument and the activities atop the monument.

The prettiest day of the year—so far—here in New England, and the perfect day to start flying our new flag for the 250th— made in America, of course.

On the night of March 4, 1776, under cover of darkness, General George Washington ordered Continental troops to quietly occupy Dorchester Heights, the high ground overlooking Boston Harbor. By morning, American cannons were aimed directly at the British fleet and the city. When the British woke up on March 5, they were stunned to see fully built fortifications towering over Boston, constructed in just one night. General William Howe reportedly admitted the rebels had accomplished more overnight than his army could in months.

On March 2, 1776, American cannons roared across Boston Harbor. After nearly a year of stalemate during the Siege of Boston, George Washington made his move. Under the cover of darkness, Continental forces began a bombardment to distract while they worked to take Dorchester Heights with artillery hauled hundreds of miles from Fort Ticonderoga. Boston was no longer secure for the British. The cannon fire of March 2–4 forced a decision that would reshape the Revolution.

@history_dame Thanks for your constant support. Huzzah!

Huzzah to you, and to you, and you!

We all know the image, Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during World War II. But let’s remember the photo taken by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, actually captures the second flag-raising that day. Earlier that morning, a smaller flag was raised by a patrol that first reached the summit as the Battle of Iwo Jima raged on. That moment was photographed by a Marine photographer and cheered by troops below. Later, commanders decided a larger flag would be more visible across the island, so a replacement was brought up, and Rosenthal captured that moment. His photo wasn’t staged; it simply happened at the exact moment he clicked the shutter. The result became one of the most enduring images of WWII, symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and the chaos of battle. It’s taken decades, but the Marine Corps has finally confirmed the identities of those who raised the flags. 1st flag raising: 1st Lt. Harold G. Schrier, Plt. Sgt. Ernest I. Thomas, Jr., Sgt. Henry O. Hansen, Cpl. Charles W. Lindberg, Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class John H. Bradley, and Pvt. Philip L. Ward.  2nd flag raising: Sgt. Michael Strank; Cpl. Harlon Block; Pfc. Franklin Sousley; Pfc. Ira Hayes; Pfc. Harold Keller; Cpl. Harold Schultz. The Marine Corps Museum owns both flags and displays them during the anniversary.

It’s Washington’s Birthday today, and a great day to talk about one of America’s most lovable myths: the Cherry Tree! You’ve probably heard the story: a young George Washington chops down his father’s favorite cherry tree and bravely declares, “I cannot tell a lie…” Here’s the truth: that tale isn’t a verified historical event — it was invented by one of Washington’s earliest biographers, Mason Locke Weems, in the early 1800s to illustrate his honesty and virtue. BUT if it were real, that moment in Washington’s life would have happened here, at Ferry Farm, his boyhood home. Take a quick walk with me as we explore it!

On This Day in History — February 21, 1885 After decades of starts, stops, and fundraising setbacks, the Washington Monument was formally dedicated in Washington, D.C., as a lasting tribute to George Washington. This iconic obelisk, born of vision and private contributions, was, upon completion, the tallest structure in the world. More than just stone and iron, it stands as a testament to the power of collective effort and patriotic pride. We have several rare find items from the dedication and fundraising efforts of the Washington Monument: Framed Hand‑Colored Steel Engraving of the Original Design of the Washington Monument — a stunning print capturing the original vision behind the monument. Click here: store.thehistorylist.com/products/frame… Commemorate the community that made it possible with a Washington Monument Society Contribution Certificate — a replica of the document early donors received for their support. Click here: store.thehistorylist.com/products/washi… Dive deeper into the history of how Americans built this with the Washington National Monument Society Fundraising Report — an archival look at the society’s efforts to bring the monument to life. Click Here: store.thehistorylist.com/products/washi… From cornerstone to capstone, the Washington Monument reminds us that great achievements are built one contribution at a time, literally and figuratively.

Presidents’ Day: the only holiday where powdered wigs, stovepipe hats, and epic facial hair can all coexist. From the bold to the brilliant to the deeply complicated, the presidency has shaped the American story in ways both inspiring and imperfect. If you’ve got a favorite Commander in Chief, today’s the day to show it, tell us below! (And yes… we’ve probably got something for them.) Explore the collection: store.thehistorylist.com/collections/th…

Presidents’ Day: A reminder that leadership is tested in crisis, judged by history, and remembered in stone. Some were celebrated. Some were challenged. Some failed. But all shaped the American story. Here are more photos from the Presidents’ Heads. Explore more photos and my video at: historydame.com/trip-recap

If you need a primer on what combat was like in George Washington’s time, here you go.

Fun fact: the Love Letter version of the shirt was my suggestion and they used it! These are a fun historic twist for a Valentine’s Day shirt.

Today I’m sporting my 1773 shirt from @TheHistoryList with my debt clock to remind people that 1773 wasn’t about tea. It was about power. The Crown protected a corporate monopoly, imposed taxes without consent, and demanded obedience from people it refused to represent. The response wasn’t a protest. It was a refusal. No riots. No theatrics. Just 342 chests of tea dumped into Boston Harbor to make one thing clear: ▪️Authority without representation has no legitimacy ▪️Government–corporate collusion is tyranny ▪️Obedience to corruption is not patriotism 1773 is the moment Americans withdrew consent. That principle still matters. 🇺🇸🫡

@BillFeuer @realdefender45 Sorry about that. (We will make it more prominent.) Here’s the link to the “1773” Boston Tea Party shirt: store.thehistorylist.com/products/1773-… And this weekend we are going to roll out one of our new designs for the 250th.

@realdefender45 @TheHistoryList I went to the linked site but I didn't see this shirt. I like that they're made in the USA and will buy my USA 250 shirt there. Thanks