Historical Americana Co.

“When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” (United States of America) Benjamin Franklin “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground.” Thomas Jefferson   President “Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.” Thomas Jefferson   President  quoting Cesare Beccaria “What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms.” Thomas Jefferson   President “There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet an enemy.” George Washington,      President Letter to Elbridge Gerry, January 29,1780 “Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birth-right of an American…The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands… Read More

The Star-Spangled Banner The Forgotten History of Francis Scott Key’s National Anthem It might be impossible to sing, but everyone knows the words to the national anthem of the United States – “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It’s a staple at everything from sporting events to patriotic rallies. But while everyone knows the song, very few Americans know the story behind it, both the story of the lyrics and the story of how this ode to our nation’s flag was adopted as our national anthem. Its roots lie in the War of 1812, the same war during which widespread celebrations of Independence Day began. Composer Francis Scott Key was a 35-year-old lawyer when he wrote the lyrics to the song on September 14, 1814. He called the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” His inspiration was seeing the 15-star American flag of Fort McHenry lit up and triumphantly waving during the British bombardment in the Battle of Baltimore. Key was there as part of a team trying to secure the release of prisoners. In fact, Key was there to help secure the release of his good friend Dr. William Beanes, who had been captured by the British. It was a bit of an accident that Key was even there to witness… Read More