The Presidents - Simplified on Twitter (Part I)

In 2018/2019, I tweeted short stories of the 46 presidents on Twitter, using only 280 characters. This mini project was exciting yet had challenges since it was often difficult to decide what should be put in the tweets. As a historian who studies the past, I have approached each president with a neutral stance, neither positive nor negative, just factual. For each president, I have attempted to highlight at least one accomplishment and one event that happened during their time in office, as well as examine the legacy they left behind in the history books. The tweets are accompanied by the presidents' official portraits, found in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. (I had the opportunity to photograph all the portraits when I visited D.C. in March). The tweets are found on my Twitter (@joshuavchanin), and it is my hope that teachers and students use these short stories to become familiar with the personalities that have inhabited the White House. I will be splitting the vignettes into chapters, starting with a crew of inaugural office-holders who came from powerful backgrounds, created historic precedents with a hint of aristocracy, and led the country through its early days after the American Revolution.

‘The Presidents- Simplified on Twitter’

George Washington– Our nation’s savior, Founding Father, and first president. In 2 terms, he established the first cabinet, restored faith in government, and kept the young nation out of other wars. A strong & collected leader, his love for the military can never be overshadowed. (November 28, 2018)

G. Washington, 1789-1797

John Adams– first vice-president, second president, and a fine diplomat. Before the Revolution, he defended the honor of the Boston Massacre British soldiers. After the war, he negotiated a peace treaty with Britain’s George III. And when president, he kept the peace with France. (November 29, 2018)

J. Adams, 1797-1801

Thomas Jefferson– Man of many accomplishments: 3rd president, writer of the Declaration of Independence, and founder of the Uni of Virginia. He took patriotism to new heights, expanding state gov. control and landmass of the U.S. (LA Purchase). And let’s not forget his philosophy... (November 30, 2018) 

T. Jefferson, 1801-1809

James Madison– 4th president and the ‘Father of the Constitution.’ As a persuasive writer, he was author of the Articles of Confederation and The Federalist Papers. Although short in height, Madison’s ambitions were bold, as he strengthened the military (1812) & national bank. (December 1, 2018)

J. Madison, 1809-1817

James Monroe– Revolutionary veteran, expansionist, and 5th president. He ushered in Era of Good Feelings, faced little opposition, and enjoyed peace in Congress. Monroe was a successful diplomat, with success on coast to coast control (1818 Oregon). Monroe also supported free slaves. (December 2, 2018) 

J. Monroe, 1817-1825

John Quincy Adams– 6th president, Monroe’s secretary of state, MA Senator and minister to Russia & Netherlands. The most qualified man to be president, however, he is overshadowed by his successor, A Jackson. After a controversial 1824 election, Adams floundered w/ party support. (December 3, 2018)

J.Q. Adams, 1825-1829

Book Review: "The White House" by Judith St. George

I recently re-read a brief popular history book on the White House. The White House: Cornerstone Of A Nation by Judith St. George illustrates the history of America’s executive mansion, a home that has been the office and residence of 45 men in America’s past (46 presidents in 'number' total since Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms). The book, a detailed but brief narrative, was captivating and got the job done. Despite no academic scholarship in this piece, though it was nice to read for fun again (graduate training while completing my history MA prevented me from appreciating the joys of reading for fun). Most of the book review below was published in my first blog in 2019.

The White House: Cornerstone Of A Nation by Judith St. George provides an excellent, meticulously-crafted survey of America's famous residence. Picture from Rare Book Sellers.

It is interesting to read how each President left a mark at the White House, whether that footprint was a positive or negative one. Some, most notably Harry Truman and Teddy Roosevelt, called for extensions on to the mansion. Others, like Calvin Coolidge, despised the place, once gloomily joking with a friend that ‘nobody [lives there]… they just come and go.” The roots of the White House story began after the American Revolution, when the Founding Fathers bickered over where the nation’s capital would be– New York City & Philadelphia seemed like obvious choices as these metropolises were the largest cities in the new nation. George Washington, our first President and a beloved general from the war, chose a small plot of land in Maryland and Virginia, on the Potomac River. Andrew Ellicott and Frenchman Pierre Charles L’Enfant (who I have researched and written about for French Quarter Magazine) were assigned to survey the swampy land and plan a capital city. James Hoban, an Irish architect, was hired to design a house for the president (Washington admired Hoban's plans and also used L’Enfant’s street drawings for D.C.'s final design). Hoban created a two-story mansion– the biggest in America at that time– with Roman-styled columns and large state windows. The final cost for the house was around $300,000. The construction of the thirty-six room residence, which began in the mid-1790s, would be stalled until the last months of 1800– due to stone and slave labor shortages– and John Adams, our second president, would be the first chief to move into the house. Adams, including his wife, truly disliked the residence, as most of the interior was unfinished (there was no running water or plumbing, the toilet was outside, and the paint was still wet– yes, Abigail Adams did hang her laundry in the East Room as the winds blew in the open window panels). The first edition of the White House, which was mocked at by the international community, would not see most of the nineteenth century since British soldiers marched into Washington D.C. in 1814 and burned the residence, along with other buildings in the capital (insert the famous Dolley Madison moment where the First Lady saved the famous portrait of Washington). The White House was rebuilt and breathed new life during the ‘Era of Good Feelings,’ where James Monroe, the fifth man to hold office, brought expensive furniture items over from France to furnish the dreary-looking residence. During the rest of the century, presidents entered and exited the doors, and the White House had little exterior additions yet a variety of interior changes.

When the British burned down the White House in August 1814 (during the War of 1812), government officials and President James Madison vowed to rebuild. This sketch shows the residence's exterior structure still intact yet its interior was charred. Picture from Library of Congress.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Teddy Roosevelt, issued plans to install a new executive wing (aka ‘the West Wing’), as he needed to move the president’s office away from the family quarters because his large family needed more bedrooms. It was during this time when the name ‘White House’ stuck with the public. Woodrow Wilson and his two wives (Ellen & Edith) ensured the residence played a key role in rationing/impacting the tide of World War I in 1918, and sheep and cattle were allowed to graze on the house’s grounds. Another extensive remodeling session happened during the presidency of Harry S. Truman in the early 1950s - the interior of the residence was gutted and replaced with stronger beams (the famous story of Truman’s daughter’s piano falling through the ceiling during the President’s cocktail party is true). Though the house had been neglected over the years, Truman set a precedent for all First Families to follow: looking after America’s treasure. Jackie Kennedy, the young wife of JFK introduced the White House to the public; she arranged a tour of the interior to be seen on TV. The White House would open up for public tours soon after, although security was beefed up during the Reagan presidency in the 1980s. Today, the White House continues to change with each President and their family. New staffs occupy the offices that once were homes to former leaders of the free world, while technology is embraced in the antiqued mansion, and First Families get to decorate the family quarters to their desire. As the author clearly points out in his introduction, although the White House is the home and office of our president, it is the symbol and home of the American people.

Jackie Kennedy, the beautiful wife of President John F. Kennedy, opened the White House doors by giving a tour of the residence on television in February 1962. The broadcast was seen by over 80 million viewers in 50 countries. Mrs. Kennedy also re-designed the Rose Garden, which is today used for ceremonies and press conferences. Photograph from Library of Congress.

This was a very interesting read! I enjoyed the unusual, unheard facts in this book. Who knew that the White House staff had to get the precise temperature for British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s evening bath during his state visits in World War II, or otherwise he would have an angry fit at FDR's employees?! Additionally, it is worth noting that the author examines the moods exhibited in a variety of presidential administrations when our leaders are assassinated, die from heart attacks or illnesses, or resign. The book reflects on the good times America has had, as well as the bad times. Judith St. George does an excellent job at painting a patriotic landscape of America’s home. I would recommend this short book 'The White House: Cornerstone Of A Nation' to scholars and history lovers who wish to read a compact survey of America's famous residence.

The White House faced its biggest renovation in its history during the presidency of Harry S. Truman (early 1950s). The interior support beams were removed and replaced with stronger ceiling boards. A underground shelter was built in case the Soviet Union attempted to attack the United States with nuclear weapons (this was during the start of the Cold War). Truman and his family lived in the Blair House across the street during the renovation/remodeling. Photograph from PBS Learning Media.

St. George, Judith. The White House: Cornerstone Of A Nation. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Spring 1990. **Author received this edition of the book as a Christmas present in 2019.

The Blair House is located across the street from the White House. This residence was the home of Harry S. Truman's family during the White House renovations in the early 1950s. Today, the residence is used by foreign dignitaries and guests of the president. It appeared that an Irish politician or ambassador was in D.C. when my wife and I were there. Photograph from author's collections.

I did not get to see President Joe Biden when I walked past the White House in March, but I did get to witness the changing of the Marine sentries at the West Wing door! Photograph from author's collections.

I visited Washington D.C. in March with my wife and thoroughly immersed myself in the amazing history and culture of the United States. My wife took this fantastic photograph. I am looking at the Capitol Building in awe (a powerful, symbolic moment for me since I was recently sworn in as an American citizen!). Photograph from author's collections.

Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month Resources

May 2022 is Asian American/Pacific Islander Month. Since 1992 (Congress passed Public Law 102-450 and President Bill Clinton later signed the bill), Americans have celebrated the many contributions and achievements of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States in May. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the first Japanese groups to immigrate to the U.S.A. on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of those who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island). My dedicated social studies department head at Coppell High, Diane de Waal, asked if I could compile a list of resources our teachers could use in their classes to discuss the importance of APA Heritage Month in May. This timing of this celebratory month and resources pages is appropriate since I have recently finished talking about Asian Americans during WWII (for example, Japanese-Americans were forced to live at isolated internment camps in the Southwest because others believed that they were spies). I have shared those resources below.

Over 15,000 Chinese male immigrants were employed by the Central Pacific Railroad Co. to build the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s. Many had lived in California during the 1850s Gold Rush. Despite their dedication to building the railroad, the Chinese in America faced racial discrimination and often were tasked to complete the dangerous jobs (including putting active dynamite in caves). Historians estimate that 2,000 men lost their lives while building the railroad (most were Chinese Americans). Photograph from the Smithsonian. 

Introductory Videos:

Belonging in America (Video) - Susie Kim, a NYC Corps teacher, shares her experiences about living and working in the United States as an Asian American.

A People's History of Asian America (PBS Video) - exploring pros and cons of separating 'Asian American' as a statistical category.

APA Heritage Month on Tik Tok (Video) - discover how Tik Tok, the world's fastest growing social media app, is celebrating this month.

Federal Asian Pacific American Council Press Release - press release notifying public of this years theme, "advancing leaders through collaboration."

-----------

This years theme is "Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration" (Asian/Pacific American citizens working together in Congress and leadership role to better the USA).

Kamala Harris Biography (Article) - Harris, an African American of Asian-American descent, became our nation's first woman vice president in January 2021. She was sworn in with Joe Biden, our 46th president. This is a brief biography of Harris breaking glass ceilings as the first African American woman as California's attorney general as well as the second African American elected to the senate.

Saving Native Languages (Article) - William Wilson, a professor at the University of Hawaii Hilo, has recently collaborated with Hawaii's Congressional delegation to establish a new Language Resource Center in hopes of preserving Hawaiian languages.

Kurt Chew-Een Lee (Article & Interview) - Lee was the first Asian American United States Marine Corps officer. During a distinguished military career, Lee collaborated with his comrades and superiors during the Battle of Inchon, a decisive victory for the US and UN during thee Korean War (1950-1953). Lee would later be awarded the Navy Cross for his valor.

Meet Elaine L. Chao (Article) - Chao, a native of Taiwan who immigrated to the US when she was 8 years old, was the first Asian American woman to serve in a president's cabinet when she was appointed Secretary of Labor (2001-2009) by George W. Bush. Chao would later again serve in the cabinet as Secretary of Transportation (2017-2021) during the presidency of Donald Trump. Chao is married to current Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

National Archives - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (more info)

Asian Americans have contributed to our nation's rich history in many ways. During the 1850s Gold Rush, immigrants from Asia flocked to the West Coast, settling in areas such as San Francisco. Today, the ChinaTown in San Francisco is a gorgeous, culturally-spirited sector that embraces Asian-American heritage. Photograph by CNN Traveler.

**Consider starting your classes in May by having students read the articles/watch videos on the contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have had on the history and culture of thee United States. You may follow-up with tasking your students to further research pioneering profiles or generate further open-ended discussions in small or large groups:

    - To what extent have Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders contributed to the vibrant history and culture of the United States?

    - How did Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders use their professional roles in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries as opportunities for societal advancement?

    - Why is it important for us to continue to study Asian American/Pacific Islander history and culture?

The APA theme for 2022 is "Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration." USDA Site.

Baptist Alley in D.C.

My wife and I traveled to Washington D.C. a couple of weeks ago during Spring Break. After visiting the massive, vibrant collection of museums our nation's capital has to offer (the African American history and culture museum was fantastic and enriching!), we stopped by Ford's Theatre, the site where Pres. Abraham Lincoln was shot. In this blog post, I will shed light on the 1865 assassination and Baptist Alley, the secret route John Wilkes Booth took to escape the theatre.  

A friendly actor who works at Ford's Theatre took a photograph of my wife and I at the back of the facility. The brown door located on the right is the same door Booth used to exit the building after shooting President Lincoln on April 14, 1865. Photograph from author's collections.

Initially, John Wilkes Booth, a renowned D.C. actor and southern sympathizer, had planned to kidnap the president and use him as a Confederate bargaining chip. However, after Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Court House, VA, Booth and his group of conspirators decided to assassinate the president, vice president (Andrew Johnson), and secretary of state (William H. Seward). Since Booth regularly performed at Ford's Theatre (located a few blocks away from the White House) and had an intimate knowledge of the layout of the building, the actor decided to shoot Lincoln there. On the night of Good Friday, April 14, the president and First Lady Mary Todd, arrived at the theatre fashionably late with their guests, Major Henry Reed Rathborne and his fiancee Clara Harris (U.S. Grant and his spouse had been invited yet turned down the invitation at the last minute due to family matters). After a thundering applause from the audience at about 8:30 pm, Lincoln and his guests sat down on plush furniture in the presidential box (appropriately decorated with American flags and a portrait of George Washington) to enjoy the night's comedic production, Our American Cousin.

A photograph of Baptist Alley behind Ford's Theatre in 1893. The stables were removed and street was not paved until the early twentieth century (prior to the 1920s, there were only two concrete-paved streets in D.C., one was Constitution Ave.). Today, the alley consists of docking areas and automobile parking spaces. Photograph from author's collections.

After a couple of alcoholic beverages at the saloon next door, Booth crept up to the presidential box (on the right side of the theatre) during Act III, Scene 2, and barricaded himself inside. Lincoln's lone security guard was occupied (enjoying the show or drinks at the saloon, stories differ) and did not see Booth enter the box. The actor slowly opened the box door, aimed his little deringer at the back of Lincoln's head, and when the audience below exploded in laughter - Harry Hawk on stage exclaimed, "you sockdologizing old man-trap!" - he fired one shot at 10:35 pm. Lincoln rolled his eyes and slumped forward as the first lady screamed. When Booth emerged from the pistol smoke, Rathborne leapt at the actor. Booth, armed with a Bowie knife, slashed the major's arm and jumped from the box to the stage, twelve feet below. The attack from Rathborne that was not planned scared Booth, and the assailant's boot spurs caught the flags. The audience, stunned and confused at the chain of events, witnessed Booth raise his bloody knife, shout "Sic Semper Tyrannis" (thus always to tyrants), and hobble off the stage with a broken leg.

A 1865 Harper's Weekly engraving of Booth escaping Ford's Theatre after Lincoln's assassination. The stagehand who held Booth's horse was later clubbed in the head when the killer rode away in the night. Library of Congress Archives. 

While much commotion and panic erupted in the theatre, Booth reached the rear exit door at the back of the facility (during the planning of the attack, he knew he'd have no chance on exiting the theatre through the front entrance). There, a stagehand that he had hired earlier to look after his bay mare, was waiting for him with the reins in hand. Lincoln's assassin jumped into the saddle and galloped away, clubbing the stage worker in the head for good measure. The alleyway where Booth made his escape was called Baptist Alley in 1865 since Ford's Theatre had previously been home to D.C.'s 10th Baptist Congregation. Booth traveled down the alley at top speed, passing a number of stables and horses, prior to exiting the premises at 10:39 pm, less than five minutes after he shot the president. He quickly left the city with an accomplice, traveled to Virginia to nurse his leg at Dr. Samuel Mudd's residence, and was shot by the U.S. Army after a twelve-day manhunt. Despite killing the president, Booth's plan failed and the South grieved the death of our nation's savior (I would highly recommend reading Martha Hodes's book Mourning Lincoln, which gives us insight to how our the nation reacted to Lincoln's death). The area around Ford's Theatre and Baptist Alley underwent many decades of neighborhood improvement and redevelopment after the 1865 assassination. The theatre's interior was used as a government warehouse in the latter half of the 1800s, and the rear wall was rebuilt following a collapse in 1893. The stables in the alley are now long gone and a muddy street has been replaced by concrete. Although Baptist Alley was not officially labeled on a map, my wife and I found the alley entrance and envisioned the frantic escape of Booth. Shivers crawled down our backs. I stepped back, snapped a photograph, absorbed the moment, and shed a tear, knowing that I was walking in the footsteps of a villainous brute who murdered one of my favorite presidents...

Floor plan of Ford's Theatre in the 1860s. Note Baptist Alley in the rear. Ford's Theatre Archives.

Since Baptist Alley is not an official street, many D.C. residents and tourists walk past this infamous alley without blinking an eye. For all my history friends out there - the alley is located on F Street between 9th and 10th Streets.

The Ford's Theatre Museum currently houses John Wilkes Booth's deringer pistol. Booth dropped the small, single-shot gun (measured 5.87-inches) when Major Rathborne tried to tackle him. The weapon was kept in government archives for decades. Photograph from author's collections.

The Petersen House, the residence where Lincoln died at 7:22 am on April 15, 1865, is located opposite Ford's Theatre. The building was designed and built by William A Petersen, a German tailor. I found out that John C. Breckinridge, the youngest vice president in our nation's history (1857-1861), rented the house for a few years. Unfortunately, the Petersen House was closed during our visit due to the Covid-19 pandemic... Photograph from author's collections.

Exterior front photograph of Ford's Theatre. So much living history!! The facility housed D.C.'s First Baptist Church before John T. Ford, a distinguished politician, purchased the property in 1861. Despite a 1862 fire, the theatre was rebuilt and still hosts productions today. Photograph from author's collections.

The Abraham Lincoln Museum on the ground floor of Ford's Theatre was tremendous and housed many fascinating, informative exhibits on the president's tenure and assassination. This is a mold of Lincoln's hands, c. 1865. On the night of the assassination, the 56-year-old president thanked Colonel William Crook, the White House butler, for his service, prior to adding "Good-bye, Crook." Crook was taken back since the president always said, "Good-night, Crook..." Crook worked in the executive mansion for 46 years and retired during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. Photograph from author's collections.

Women's History Month 2022 Resources

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by my department head to provide several resources for junior high/ high school social studies teachers on women's history. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week. This decree was heavily endorsed by the public, and during the next several years, Congress passed bipartisan resolutions naming a week in March as National Women's History Week. After a proactive campaign to expand the week by the National Women's History Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving women's history in the United States, Congress designated the month of March as National Women's History Month in early 1987. Since 1988, the president has issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as our National Women's History Month. Since I believe that our history books ought to reflect the diverse and dynamic stories of all the groups that have inhabited North America, I have routinely discussed the pivotal roles women have played in American history in my AP U.S. history classes in Coppell. I will continue to take sincere delight in sharing my knowledge on women's history (I consider myself an expert in this field, especially in Texas) in class as well as further expanding my students' inquisitive sides by answering their questions. And, it is fitting that I am writing this blog post as the TV in the background is showing Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's senate confirmation hearing (if she is confirmed, Judge Jackson will become the first African American woman to serve on the highest court of the land - a historic and monumental tick in our nation's history!). I am attaching these resources (which include student-friendly, scholarly videos and articles), accompanied with summaries.

"The History Behind Women's History Month" (V) - a brief video from Good Morning America on the history behind this commemorative month.

"PBS Learning: Women's History Month" (V) - an excellent introduction on the history of this celebration; PBS continuously does a fantastic job at sharing interesting, consequential episodes in history to students.

"Influential Women in Medicine" (A) - since this year's theme for National Women's History Month is "women providing healing, promoting hope," it is essential that students engage with material on women who have contributed to medical science. This Voyage Healthcare article surveys a group of women who were pioneers in the medical arena during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

"Rebecca Skloot- Class Resources" (A) - Skloot is an award-winning author who penned the amazing biography on Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were used to further develop medical research. This site also provides teachers with class resources, which they may use to engage students in fruitful discussions on women's' roles in public health.

"Women During the Civil War in 4 Minutes" (V) - women became involved during America's bloodiest war as nurses, caregivers, and supportive wives. This brief video by the American Battlefield Trust gives a decent overview on the pivotal role women played to assist their men on the battlefield in hospital tents.

"Female Nurses During the Civil War" (A) - the American Battlefield Trust article on women during the Civil War is an exceptional follow-up to the video above.

"Hannah Anderson Ropes, Civil War Nurse" (A) - this article chronicles the life of Ropes, who displayed enormous courage and diligence in volunteering as a nurse during the Civil War. The article was written by Mr. Chanin in 2019.

"Remembering Esther McCready" (V & A) - McCready, the first African American to be admitted to the University of Maryland School of Nursing, followed a distinguished career in nursing and public health. McCready also made great strides to inspire future generations to follow their goals, regardless of sex or race, by speaking to many student groups. This video and article are superb sources to generate more discussion among young scholars.

National Women's History Museum (A) - the top museum on women's history offers teacher resources that stimulate critical analysis among student groups. 

Discussion Board Questions (to create new, profound discussions among students/classes)

1. To what extent did women contribute to the Union war effort during the Civil War?

2. How did women use their newfound professional roles in the twentieth century as an opportunity for advancement?

3. What impact did women pioneers in public health have on American society?

Nacogdoches has had 10 Flags?!

Nacogdoches is a wonderful place to visit and further explore the vibrant history of Texas (I have been to this quaint town twice, once in 2019 when I presented my East Texas State Teachers College research at the East Texas Historical Association conference, and in 2021 on my honeymoon). During each visit, I have craved for more delicious, Southern food as well as time at the many historical sites the town boosts. I plan to make another trip to Nacogdoches soon... yet, the premise of this post is addressing the ongoing mystery on whether 10 flags have flown over Nacogdoches. As history tells us, Nacogdoches has had nine flags prominently displayed in its main square over 400+ years (Nacogdoches is the state's oldest town!). Spain, once Europe's prominent naval power, spread its imperialist tentacles in the New World during the sixteenth and seventeenth century, laying claim to South America, Latin America, and Southwest of the U.S., including Nacogdoches (Natives inhabited the Texas plains during most of this era). The French flag flew over Nacogdoches between 1685 and 1690 (when France and Spain entered negotiations on Texas). In early 1812, José Bernardo Maximiliano Gutierrez de Lara, a Mexican revolutionary, led an expedition through the Texas territory and claimed Nacogdoches as their own; their flag was a green backdrop. 

Stephen F. Austin State University, located in Nacogdoches, displays the town's nine flags in this logo. Photograph from SFA University website.

James Long, an American filibuster, attempted to seize control of Spanish Texas in 1819, several years after the Mexican expedition had failed. Long successfully established an independent government in Nacogdoches in June 1819, however, was defeated by the Spanish that October. Long's Republic flag, a version of the 'Stars & Stripes' with one star in the top-left corner, flew over the Texas town for less than four months. In 1821, Mexico gained their independence from the Spanish Empire, and the Mexican tri-color with the eagle, was attached to Nacogdoches' flag poles, the fifth flag to fly above the small town. Nacogdoches was host to a famously-recorded rebellion in 1826, the Fredonian Rebellion. Haden and Benjamin Edwards, a pair of American empresarios, disputed their contract land claims with the Mexican government and created their own independent republic called Fredonia. The rebels signed their own Declaration of Independence in the Old Stone Fort in Nacogdoches on December 21, 1826, and designed a bi-color flag representing the alliance between the area's Natives and Whites (although Native support ultimately did not materialize). Mexican forces crushed the rebellion in January 1827. Mexico's tenure in Texas did not last long as American settlers declared independence in 1836 and engaged in their revolution against dictator Antonio López de Santa Anna, involving a few recognizable battles such as the Alamo and San Jacinto. The Republic of Texas was created after the war and the iconic 'Lone Star' flag was flown above Nacogdoches. In 1845, the republic, led by the feisty General Sam Houston, ceased to be a nation and joined the United States of America as the 28th state, amid much celebration. The thriving town of Nacogdoches had a brief stint under another flag in the mid-ninetieth century when the insubordinate Confederate States of America succeeded from the Union in the spring of 1861 in a desperate effort to preserve slavery. Yet, the United States' flag was again raised over Nacogdoches when Robert E. Lee's army surrendered in April 1865, and has stayed there since...

The nine flags fly above Nacogdoches' City Hall in 2019. Photograph by the author.

According to an article from The Daily Sentinel, a 10th flag flew over Nacogdoches prior to the start of the Civil War. In early 1861, Nacogdoches resident Marcia Raguet and daughter Mary sewed what is believed to be Texas' first secession flag. The flag (which, reported by Dudley Mosele of the Stone Fort Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, is today unidentifiable) was raised over the Raguet family's warehouse near the historic district. Apparently, there were many citizens who complained about the flag, and Henry Raguet, although opposed to the 1861 succession movement, took up arms with his two sons and defended the flag for several days. Since the CSA was not officially established until March 4, many towns in Texas had their own secession flag (it is rumored that Raguet's flag might have been similar to Bonnie Blue Flag, modeled after the flag of the Republic of West Florida). This mystery remains unsolved, and only time will tell when Nacogdoches historians discover the truth in this rumor and adopt the town's "tenth" flag.

An exhibition of Spanish East Texas in Nacogdoches' historical museum (the town's former post office). The museum, located in the heart of the main square, boosts various exhibitions on the history of Nacogdoches, SFA, and the region. This place is well worth a visit! Photograph by the author.

Grover Cleveland's 1887 Goodwill Tour

I recently wrapped up the Gilded Age in my high school AP US History classes. For a couple of weeks, we had discussed the strength of the titans of industry (including Carnegie and Rockefeller), corruption in the government, unsanitary conditions of inner-city tenements, and daily life of those who labored for many hours in the factories yet consistently found themselves in debt. I enjoy teaching about the characters that inhabited the White House during these decades since the presidents reflected the emotions, identities, and personalities of America in their era (as scholars have recognized, the tone of a presidential administration mirrors the anxiety and hopefulness of their electorate). Today, I intend to describe Mr. Grover Cleveland's role in the Gilded Age as well as his fine ability to connect to voters in a tremendously politically-divided time in America's history.

Grover Cleveland (D), the tubby politician from New York who would later become our 22nd and 24th president. Photograph by Britannica.com.

Grover Cleveland was an unusual victor in a presidential race in late 1884. Foremost, he was a Democrat, the first standard-bearer of his party to be elected to the White House since 1856, prior to the Civil War. His political views did not align with a majority of the electorate (Republican strongholds dominated the voting patterns in the Gilded Age). Also, Cleveland was barely known outside of New York, a state he had called "home" for many years - Cleveland's previous elected offices included mayor of Buffalo and the governorship. Nevertheless, voters, eager to clean up the corruption in government, sent the middle-aged, tubby bachelor to the District of Columbia. Our 22nd president enjoyed marginal success in his first term, challenging the political power of the railroads by creating the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1887, ensuring the continuation of the Gold Standard by opposing any use of silver for money, and reaffirming liberal stances in the Judiciary by appointing two well- qualified, distinguished judges to the U.S. Supreme Court, Lucius Q.C. Lamar and Melville Fuller (who served as the Chief Justice between 1888 and 1910). Cleveland's most notable event during his first administration did not involve politics... but love! The 49-year-old married the 21-year-old daughter of a family friend, Frances Folsom in a private ceremony at the White House. The couple had five children; their eldest, Ruth is the namesake of the "Baby Ruth" candy bar, a delectable treat from the Curtiss Candy Company. Frances had a warm personality and became an immensely-popular first lady, bringing style and heart to the executive mansion that was previously incredibly dull.

Frances Folsom was a student at Wells College in New York when Cleveland began writing her letters. The couple married at the White House in a private ceremony on June 2, 1886. At 21-years-old, she was our nation's youngest first lady. Photograph by Firstladies.org.

In the summer of 1887, President Cleveland began to consider a re-election campaign. Previously, our top leaders followed a "dignified" campaign strategy, which involved greeting/shaking electors' hands on the candidate's front porch. Cleveland, willing to meet at common ground with Republican voters, proposed a grand tour of the West via railroad, where he and the first lady would take an active campaign approach. The president discussed the bold idea with his most-trustworthy "chief of staff" Colonel Daniel Lamont. Lamont had initial concerns about the 5,000 railroad cross-country tour - after the 1881 assassination of President James Garfield, many politicians and advisors became disturbed about the safety and welfare of the president. After much consideration, Lamont permitted Cleveland to embark on his "Goodwill" tour. The president enlisted the help from George Pullman, a renowned businessman, to locate a train. Since he labeled himself as a reform president, Cleveland would pay the costs from the national trip. Pullman found a train with two large railroad cars - one held a smoker, barber shop, and bathroom, while the other car had 10 open-section sleeping berths, luxury smoking room, and buffet. The cars' interior furniture was vibrant blue and copper-colored. Prior to departure, Pullman verified the railroad cars' exterior had fresh paint and gold striping (a striking train car fit for a president!).

This is the front cover of the Harper's Weekly Magazine that was published on October 8, 1887. The magazine sold for ten cents a copy. After departing the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad Station in Washington D.C., the president and his wife sat in the comfortable chairs in one of the train cars, reading the newspaper and admiring the countryside views outside the window. Photograph by Whitehousehistory.org. 

President Cleveland and his wife (who wore a stunning brown silk dress with red trimming, according to the local newspaper) departed from D.C. on September 30, 1887, with six male guests. The party was also accompanied by Arthur Wells, Cleveland's steward, and a gentleman named Tobias, a favorite cook of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The train snaked through the cities of York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg; large crowds flocked to catch a glimpse of the first couple. Frances gently waved while the president bowed his head at the delightful masses. When the train passed by Indianapolis, 1,000 wishers (who had waited for hours to meet the president) remained very quiet when told that the couple were still asleep. Yet, the excited crowd did not have to wait for long... the president shook hands with more than 20,000 citizens and briefly expressed his happiness at the area's beauty, richness of soil, and industry of citizens the next day at Indiana's state capital building. At the next stop of the Goodwill Tour, St. Louis, Cleveland and Francis were warmly welcomed by a brilliantly-lit bridge across the Mississippi River and a glorious fanfare led by Mayor David R. Francis. After a pleasant night-stay at the Lindell Hotel, 24,000 schoolchildren sang beautiful choruses, bringing the president to tears. The first lady was presented with a floral shield, which would later be hung in the White House private quarters.

During the 1887 Goodwill Tour, Cleveland and Frances observed the illumination of the Bricker Natural Gas Well in Grapeville near Pittsburg, PA. Harper's Weekly depicts the event above. Photograph by Whitehousehistory.org.

In Chicago, the party saw a production at the Columbia Theater and paid respects to those who had died during the "anarchist" bombing at Haymarket Riot in the previous year. Afterwards, the train traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, where the presidential party was housed by William F. Vilas, the postmaster general. Cleveland's right hand was aching so he kept his hands behind his back during scheduled meet-and-greets and happily bowed his head instead. In Nebraska, the couple stopped at Omaha and several smaller towns, where these rural citizens had never seen such celebrities (this was Cleveland's attempt to connect with the "other side of America"). The president also lay a cornerstone for a new YMCA in Kansas City. One of the final stops of the Goodwill Tour was Nashville. The Cleveland's paid a former White House occupant a visit: Sarah Childress Polk, the widow of former President James Polk (in office, 1845-1849). The spirited 84-year-old enjoyed talking about the "old times" in the executive mansion. After the train had passed by the smaller towns and fields in Georgia and the Carolinas, the presidential party arrived back in D.C., 23 days later. The 1887 Goodwill Tour was a great success; the American public (despite differing political views) had overwhelming enthusiasm and support for the first couple. The excursion also showed scholars that Grover Cleveland had stamina (and contrary to the reports of a "lazy, unpopular occupant in the White House") and tugged at the citizens' heart strings. Although Cleveland's trip confirmed the mutual affection between president and the masses, our 22nd president lost the 1888 election. Benjamin Harrison, grandson of the short-lived 9th president William Henry Harrison (who died 30 days into office), was backed by big money and won the electoral college; Cleveland claimed the popular vote. Harrison scored 233 votes and Cleveland secured 168 votes (201 electoral votes were needed to win in 1888). The Republicans snatched the White House reins for four years.

This Harper's Weekly image depicts the Cleveland's stay in St. Louis, where the first couple were treated to a decorative parade. There was much spirit and enthusiasm in the crowd that night! Photograph by Whitehousehistory.org.

With his head held high and holding back the tears, Cleveland vowed to win re-election after Harrison's first stint in the White House. Frances reportedly told the mansion's staff to not touch any of the furniture items because she and her husband would return... four years later, Grover Cleveland strolled back into the presidential role he was most familiar with, riding on a massive blue wave of jubilance and prosperity (the only president to-date to serve two non-consecutive terms). Regardless of Cleveland's lackluster second term (which involved an economic panic in 1893), the New York tubby politician and his 1887 Goodwill Tour showed scholars that he was one of the few Gilded Age leaders to be very much in touch with the public at the end of the nineteenth century.

Two images printed in the Harper's Weekly Magazine that followed Cleveland's 1887 Goodwill Tour. The top image depicts the Cleveland's visiting Mrs. Polk in Nashville, TN, while the bottom image shows the president viewing deer at Belle Meade Park. Photograph by Whitehousehistory.org.

More Information on the 1887 Goodwill Tour:

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/president-grover-clevelands-goodwill-tour-of-1887 

FQM Donut Dollies Article

I recently had the opportunity to write about women volunteers on the front lines during WWI & WWII. The Donut Dollies were Salvation Army and Red Cross volunteers who provided sweet treats and good, 'ole company to the American soldiers. The Dollies also introduced the sugary, delicious treat known as the doughnut to a new audience (common enlistees and French villagers). I am very happy to shed light on these forgotten heroes in American military history; the article was published in the online edition of the French Quarter Magazine, which is edited by my friend Isabelle Karamooz. This is my fifth article that I have penned for the online FQM. Since I am discussing the 'Great War' in my AP United States history classes this week, I intend to show my article and introduce my high school scholars to the Donut Dollies. Check out the article below (digital link).

Donut Dollies FQM Article

Salvation Army volunteer Helen Purviance provided a delicious, sweet slice of comfort to American soldiers on the front lines during WWI (since the conditions in the trenches were horrible, the young lads in uniform loved the treats). She created the iconic doughnut circular mold in 1917. Author's collections. 

Additionally, I received my United States citizenship! After a tedious, yet rewarding process, I aced the American history/government test and took the oath to officially become a US citizen. I am glad (and relieved) that I am now able to exercise my political freedoms at the voting booth and proudly wave the 'Stars & Stripes'! God bless these United States!

I am now a USA citizen! I brought along my personal copy of the Constitution to the immigration center, where I swore my oath of allegiance. Wooooo! Author's collections.

The Riley Cemetery, Colleyville

I have always been interested in the smaller parts of history. For example, when I moved back to the City of Coppell, I was amazed to find out that the little community has a small cemetery (with only two stones) that is surrounded by modern developments, including large houses. The Historic Bethel Cemetery is a tiny piece of living history that appears to be on the edge of being engulfed by the hustle and bustle of our technological world. For this reason, one might not have been surprised that I was excited about the Riley Cemetery in Colleyville when my wife and I recently stumbled on the historic site during a house-hunting excursion.

The Riley Cemetery in Colleyville (preserved by the Carrollton Historical Society) has several graves still standing. One of these stones belongs to a Civil War veteran. Photograph by the author.

Jacob Riley (b. 1815), a resident of Indiana, moved to Texas in the 1850s for new economic opportunities. He received a land grant of 160 acres on Indian Creek in southeastern Denton County. Riley became very wealthy from cotton and other crops that grew well in Texas' warm climate. Riley's family held the land for over 100 years, and as the descendants died the bodies were buried on site. Riley's Cemetery was high enough to avoid flooding from the nearby Trinity River, and it remained undisturbed until residences were built around the site, starting in 1996. Today, Riley Cemetery remains one of the few family burial sites in the state since developers have used the lands to construct houses and office spaces to accommodate the recent influx of immigrants to Texas. I snapped a few photographs of this quaint treasure and paid respects to Mr. Riley and his family (the cemetery currently has about 8 graves). These are the living history plots that need to be saved and preserved for generations to follow us.

The Riley Cemetery is located on a hill and avoided past flooding from the neighboring Trinity River. I am really glad I stumbled on this hidden Texas treasure! Photograph by the author.

Barnett Gibbs, TX Politician

Did you know that the City of Coppell's first name was "Gibbs"?! In 1887, the farming community in North Texas was named in honor of Barnett Gibbs, a Texas senator and lieutenant governor, before the name was changed to "Coppell" in 1890, after George Coppell, a distinguished New York businessman who was closely associated with the railroads (the town's post office officially changed its name in 1892). In this blog post, I share a brief history of Barnett Gibbs, a prominent state politician in his time.

Barnett Gibbs was a tall man (standing at 6'1") and known to be very pleasant towards friends, yet blunt towards political enemies. Photograph from Texas Legislature Archives.

Barnett Gibbs, the son of a judge and schoolteacher, was born on May 19, 1851 in Yazoo City, Mississippi. The young boy excelled at his studies at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and the University of Virginia, before attaining a Juris Doctorate from the Law School of Lebanon, Tennessee in the early 1870s. Gibbs craved for a new adventure after graduation and migrated to Dallas in 1873 - despite not having a found entrance among the city's aristocracy, Gibbs had a clear head and an indomitable ambition to rise in the world. The young attorney, skilled and possessing a charismatic yet genial personality, wooed the citizens of Dallas, who later overwhelmingly elected him city attorney. He held this role for six years. Owing to his popularity, Gibbs rose the ranks and was elected to the Texas Senate in 1882 (one of the youngest men in Texas's history to be voted into this office). In the state senate, Gibbs championed the economic liberties of the working class. Texans enjoyed Gibbs' persistence and work ethic in the Legislature and elected him to the Office of Lieutenant Governor in 1884 (today, he remains the youngest L. Gov. in state history). The governor during this period, John Ireland, frequently undertook trips out of the state, leaving Gibbs as the "acting governor of Texas". In this capacity, he earned great credit as a talented orator and compromiser. 

Photograph of Coppell's train depot after the name of the farming community changed from "Gibbs" in the early 1890s. Photograph from the Coppell Historical Society Archives.

Even after he left the lieutenant governor office in 1886, Gibbs remained a highly-sought profile within the Texas Democratic Party. Gibbs' political friends in Austin persuaded him to run for the United States House of Representatives in 1896, yet Colonel J.C. Wellborn, the Republican candidate, narrowly won the race after a shaded compromise between the two parties behind closed doors. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Gibbs continued to influence the decisions of the politicians, playing a major role in the state's prohibition campaign and assuming an active part in securing a suitable harbor on Texas' coast. He attempted to run for the Texas governorship on the Populist Party platform in 1898, but was decisively beaten by Democrat Joseph D. Sayers (71% v. 28%) - incumbent Charles Allen Culberson retired. In his twilight years, Gibbs rejoined the TX Democrat Party and invested in Mexico mining companies. He married Sallie Haynes, daughter of a prominent businessman J.W. Haynes, and the couple had two children, Sallie and Willie. The Hon. Barnett Gibbs died on October 5, 1904 in Dallas (according to the Palestine Daily Herald, the cause of death was kidney failure). Gibbs' funeral was held two days later on October 6. Reverend P.R. Knickerbocker of Dallas' Grace Methodist Church presided, and as stated by the Dallas Morning News and Palestine Daily Herald, Gibbs' "procession to Oakland cemetery was one of the largest ever witnessed in this city." In spite of being a footnote in today's history books, Barnett Gibbs was a significant activist in Texas politics.

                                                                                    ***

For more information on Mr. Gibbs: https://ioof-grand-lodge-texas-pgm.weebly.com/barnett-gibbs.html