Our textbooks didn't teach us everything about the
Revolutionary War. Check out these strange, but TRUE facts about this War that
won our Freedom and paved the way to the greatest country on Earth. America!
1. Where is "Independence"?
The word "Independence" does not appear in the
Declaration of Independence. It's actually titled "The unanimous
Declaration of the thirteen United States of America."
2. Broadway
In cities that were controlled by the British Army, such as
New York, some soldiers actually acted in professionally produced plays during
the war.
3. George Washington's teeth weren't wood?
That's right. His dentures weren't made of wood as we've all
been led to believe. They were actually made from a hippopotamus ivory and
cows' teeth, held in place by metal springs.
4. The 1st CIA
Spying was huge in the war, and both sides sent messages
using invisible ink.
5. Patriot Pirates
Because we didn't have money for a big navy to take on the
mighty British Navy, we hired privateers, aka pirates, to attack British ships.
They were suppose to split the pirates booty with the U.S. I wonder if the deal was kept?
6. French Kid?
The Marquis de Lafayette, who was instrumental in General
Washington's victory of the British at Yorktown, was only 19 when he joined the
Army as a major general.
7. Not Tarred and Feathered
It was common practice to tar and feather Loyalists, the
Daughters of Liberty had a less painful way. They used molasses and flowers
instead.
8. Drag King
Deborah Sampson dressed as a man and enlisted in the Fourth
Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Army. She served for over a year, until
her secret was revealed while being treated for a wound. She was discharged
with honor.
9. Another Paul Revere
Paul Revere was accompanied by as many as 40 men on his late
night ride to let everyone know the British were coming. Two years later, a 16
year old, Sybil, the daughter of a Colonel, rode 40 miles through the night to
alert New York that the British were burning down Danbury, Connecticut
10. A second tea party?
Everyone knows how Sons of Liberty dressed up as Indians and
tossed 342 chests of tea from ships into the Boston Harbor to protest taxes
imposed by the Tea Act, but not all know they did it a second time, 3 months
later on March 7, 1774.
So as we celebrate our country's 240th birthday on Monday, let's not forget that all the hoopla in the current news about "BREXIT" is actually a sequel to the original back in the 1600's and 1700's that was the beginning of what is now the United States of America. History may have forgotten a few facts along the way, or even distorted things as they really happened, but one thing is for sure - the end result is a great nation with great citizens and freedoms enjoyed few others in the world have. Celebrate responsibly and as always...enjoy the ride!
