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Fun American History Trivia: 18 Facts About the Founding Era
The founding era of the United States, spanning roughly from 1765 to 1800, was filled with fascinating events, colorful personalities, and surprising details that often get overlooked in traditional history books. Here are 18 interesting facts about America’s founding period that showcase the complexity and intrigue of this pivotal time.
1. Benjamin Franklin’s Turkey Proposition
Benjamin Franklin actually opposed the bald eagle as America’s national symbol. He preferred the turkey, arguing it was a more respectable bird native to America. In a letter to his daughter, he criticized the eagle as a bird of “bad moral character” that steals from other birds.
2. Thomas Jefferson’s Pet Mockingbird
Jefferson kept a mockingbird named Dick as a pet in the White House. The bird would often perch on his shoulder while he worked, and Jefferson would teach it to sing specific tunes. It was his favorite among several pet birds he owned.
3. George Washington’s Dental Struggles
Contrary to popular belief, Washington’s false teeth were not made of wood. They were constructed from various materials including hippopotamus ivory, human teeth, brass screws, and gold wire. He began losing his teeth in his twenties and had only one natural tooth remaining when he became president.
4. The Liberty Bell’s Original Name
The Liberty Bell wasn’t always called by that name. It was originally known as the State House Bell and didn’t acquire its famous nickname until the 1830s when abolitionists adopted it as a symbol of their cause.
5. Martha Washington’s Nickname
American soldiers affectionately called Martha Washington “Lady Washington,” but her nickname among close friends was “Patsy.” She was the first of her kind as the inaugural First Lady of the United States.
6. Declaration Signing Timeline
The Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed on July 4, 1776. While it was adopted on that date, the actual signing occurred primarily on August 2, with some delegates signing even months later.
7. Constitutional Convention’s Secrecy
The Constitutional Convention was conducted in strict secrecy, with windows closed despite the summer heat. Guards were posted outside the meeting hall, and members were prohibited from discussing the proceedings.
8. John Adams’s Legal Defense
John Adams defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre, demonstrating his commitment to justice and the right to legal representation. He won acquittals for six of the eight soldiers.
9. Betsy Ross’s Real Role
While Betsy Ross is credited with creating the first American flag, there’s no concrete historical evidence supporting this claim. The story wasn’t publicly circulated until 1870, nearly a century after the supposed event.
10. Paul Revere’s Famous Ride
Paul Revere never actually shouted “The British are coming!” During his famous ride, he needed to remain quiet to avoid British patrols. The phrase “The Regulars are coming” was more likely used.
11. Benjamin Rush’s Medical Practices
Founding Father Benjamin Rush, a prominent physician, believed in bloodletting as a cure for yellow fever. Despite his medical misconceptions, he was a pioneer in American medicine and mental health treatment.
12. The First Presidential Mansion
The first presidential mansion was not in Washington, D.C., but in Philadelphia. George Washington and John Adams both lived and worked at 190 High Street (now Market Street) while serving as president.
13. James Madison’s Stature
James Madison, known as the “Father of the Constitution,” was the shortest president in American history, standing at only 5’4″ and weighing approximately 100 pounds.
14. Alexander Hamilton’s Age Confusion
Alexander Hamilton’s exact birth year was unclear even to him. He claimed different years at different times, though historians generally accept 1757 as his birth year.
15. The Original States’ Order
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, doing so on December 7, 1787, earning its nickname “The First State.” Rhode Island was the last of the original 13, waiting until 1790.
16. Washington’s Brewery
George Washington operated one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America at Mount Vernon. By 1799, his distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey, making it one of the most successful enterprises of its kind.
17. Franklin’s Swimming Hall of Fame
Benjamin Franklin was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968 for his early contributions to swimming. He invented swim fins and wrote extensively about swimming techniques.
18. First Presidential Salary
The first presidential salary was set at $25,000 per year – approximately $1 million in today’s currency. George Washington initially refused a salary but was convinced to accept it to set a precedent for future presidents.
These 18 facts demonstrate that the founding era was more than just a series of political and military events. It was a time of innovation, peculiarities, and human stories that helped shape the nation’s character. Understanding these lesser-known details helps paint a more complete picture of America’s early years and the fascinating individuals who influenced its formation.