OK - the writing's on the wall about anyone answering these American History questions, which usually do fall by the wayside, and most folks probably hate studying it. I hated it in HS, because I had one of the worst teachers ever. She would slide back in the chair and sigh while discussing the Conquistadors (which she pronounced "con-quiz-adors - ha!). How interesting is that! But then, my frosh year at Bama, I scheduled a massive two semester course on history taught Dr. Weber, a man who though I suspect was suffering from Parkinson's, brought the history of the world to life! I ended up minoring in History because of him. I concentrated on European History, but because of that foundation, I became increasingly interested in American history as well. I watch shows on PBS about the Presidents, the "Civil War" (Shelby... from Tenneessee) and so forth. It's a work in progress! The Indian Movement: which in essence was American history from the Native American perspective. Excellent books on this are "Trail of Tears" by John Ehle of North Carolina, and "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" by Dee Brown in the early 70's. Just for fun!
OK, enough preaching, but if you don't know the past, how can you make decisions about now that may affect all our futures? Ok that was really it, which I doubt anyone will read anyway, if our teenage sons are any measure!
The two American Presidents to use the "Pony Express" were Abraham Lincoln and James Buchanan (sp?)
Grant's middle name was "Simpson", and you thought that name came out of nowhere!!
I would welcome anyone to open up another trivia thread - we help each other grow and learn and become more aware, and hopefully have some fun. Suddenly we connect a meaning from terms we never knew before. I know there are highly intelligent folks on this site who have much to share...but this is NOT an ego thing. My personal major goal for this year is to read "The Histories" by the ancient "Father of History", Herodotus. I learned about him from watching the WWII movie (1995-6) "The English Patient". Considering how long it took me to read "Dr. Zhivago" (By Nobel Prize Winner Boris Pasternak), I'll be at this for years! Ha! But you know how popular the movie "300" was? Check out the true story with Herodotus.
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