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

Abraham Clark is born   On this day in history, February 15, 1726, Abraham Clark, signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey, is born. Clark was born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey (now Elizabeth) and was trained as a surveyor. He taught himself law and was involved in surveying

The Battle of Kettle Creek is won   On this day in history, February 14, 1779, the Battle of Kettle Creek is won, which turns out to be one of the most important battles in Georgia during the American Revolution. The British had begun their southern strategy to take back

General George Rogers Clark dies   On this day in history, February 13, 1818, General George Rogers Clark dies. Clark was called the “Conqueror of the Old Northwest,” for his military exploits. Clark made his first surveying trip into Kentucky in 1772, when settlers were pouring into the region. Lord

Revolutionary War hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko is born   On this day in history, February 12, 1746, Revolutionary War hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko is born in Poland. Kosciuszko studied engineering and artillery in France, but he also studied the arts and became a fairly accomplished artist and composer. After his studies, Kosciuszko

Colonel John Laurens sets sail for France on the USS Alliance   On this day in history, February 11, 1781, Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens sets sail for France aboard the USS Alliance. Laurens’ mission was to secure a last loan and supplies from France in order to bring the American

Pennsylvania General John Cadwalader dies   On this day in history, February 10, 1786, Pennsylvania General John Cadwalader dies. Cadwalader was a wealthy Philadelphia merchant and general who played a prominent role in the early years of the Revolution. He was born to a wealthy physician, but never finished college

General Lachlan McIntosh is exchanged for General Charles O’Hara   On this day in history, February 9, 1782, General Lachlan McIntosh is exchanged for General Charles O’Hara. McIntosh was born in Scotland and emigrated to Georgia with his father as a boy. As a young man, he moved to Charleston,

Daniel Boone is captured by a British/Shawnee war party   On this day in history, February 8, 1778, Daniel Boone is captured by a British/Shawnee war party. Boone had forged a trail across the Cumberland Gap several years earlier and settled Fort Boonesborough, one of only three settlements at the

The Great Siege of Gibraltar is lifted   On this day in history, February 7, 1783, the Great Siege of Gibraltar is lifted after peace agreements are signed ending the American Revolution. The Great Siege of Gibraltar was a combined Spanish and French effort to take Gibraltar back from Britain.