Knives of the American Revolution

Similar knives used during the American Revolution pre-dates the Viking Age. The word knife possibly descends from knifr, which is the Old Norse word for blade. The knife was all important to these hardy people of the north. From their craft and design, descended many of the knives that found their way all over Europe, …

50 Exciting New Books on the American Revolution

In just the past couple of years there’s been a wealth of invigorating new books published on the American Revolution. We find great biographies; some long over due that highlight both Americans and British warriors as well as statesmen. Featured are the likes of John Haslet of the famed Delaware regiment, Benjamin Rush, army surgeon, …

Battle of Lexington and Concord Part 1: Road to War

By 1774, colonial Americans had spent decades governing themselves. They were ingrained with a spirt of independence that strengthened with each new generation.  Local legislatures were chosen by regional landowners. Provincial assemblies made laws, oversaw magistrates to enact laws, ruled over disputes, levied penalties, and saw to the daily needs of their communities. They organized …

American Revolution’s Long Path to War

The seeds of self-governance began in America with the first splash of the Mayflower’s anchor in 1620, nearly seventy years before the idea of self-rule was encouraged in England.  Great Britain’s Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the 1689 Bill of Rights established that the British Parliament, and not the king, had the ultimate authority in …

Battle For the Delaware River in the American Revolution

From early October to mid-November 1777, the main Continental Army, commanded by General George Washington, and main British Army, commanded by General William Howe, were locked in a desperate, on-going battle for control of the Delaware River. For the British and their allies, they would suffer the second largest number of casualties throughout the war …

Top 10 American Revolution Reenactment Photos Numbers 1 – 5

Revolutionary War Journal is published by Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution.  It is a continued pleasure to offer my good friend Ken Bohrer, University Educator and Renowned Photographer of American Revolution Reenactments, this platform to help share his incredible photographs.  They are truly …

Top 50 African American Books

There are so many important texts available on African American Studies and understanding what it means to be black in America.   From slavery to civil rights, millions of Americans have been embroiled in a long and difficult fight for freedom, equality, identity, and social justice.  A struggle that to this day, permeates throughout a nation …

African American Dragoon John Redman

Colonel Tye photo by Ken Bohrer

Revolutonary War Journal is published by Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. John Redman was no different than any other farmer who enlisted in the Continental Army. He was among thousands who fought for what he believed in. For over three years, he and others of …

Top 10 American Revolution Reenactment Photos-Numbers 6-10

Revolutoinary War Journal is published by Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. Article Features Photographer Ken Bohrer of American Revolution Photos It is a pleasure to offer Ken Bohrer, University Educator and Renowned Photographer of American Revolution Reenactments this platform to begin sharing some …

Washington’s Mystery Firearm

Washington’s Mystery Firearm is written by contributor Yaacov Apelbaum Revolutionary War Journal is published by Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. The implication by some published writers and scholars that Colonel George Washington carried a musket during the French & Indian War is not …

American Revolution Officer Commissions: Money, Not Merit Mattered Most

By Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. Scholars have agreed that 18th century regular troops, the private and non-commissioned soldiers who stood firmly while massed musketry tore through their ranks, expected to be led by officers of society’s gentry. It was believed that these …

Early History of Veterinary Medicine & Colonial Animal Caregivers

By Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. Veterinary medicine owes much to mankind’s infatuation with the horse that helped finance and advance its development from amateur status to scientific discovery. It also benefited from strides in human medicine, in sorts, becoming a sister that …

New York City’s Long and Shameful History of Slavery

By Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. June 27, 2015, a plaque marking the site of New York City’s 18th century Slave Auction House was unveiled in Lower Manhattan by Mayor Bill de Blasio. The plaque commemorates the location of where thousands of lives …