George Washington

illustration of a black wood cutter.

In search of refuge during the American Revolution, this enslaved black man joined the British army

The American Revolution was a war for independence, but many enslaved black people found liberty by joining the British. New research documents the story of one South Carolina teenager who became a hero in the British army.

In search of refuge during the American Revolution, this enslaved black man joined the British army

Book tells story 'most famous man most of us have never heard of'

Book tells story 'most famous man most of us have never heard of'
The World

Why 21st-century anti-vaxxers have nothing on their 18th-century counterparts

Why 21st-century anti-vaxxers have nothing on their 18th-century counterparts
The US Capitol building is shown under construction in 1860. President Abraham Lincoln directed that work continue through the Civil War.

Washington was once quite literally a 'cesspool'

Washington was once quite literally a 'cesspool'
Waleed Ghani has announced he'll run for election in his south London district. He's officially registered with the Electoral Commission as the Whig Party candidate.

A new British party borrows a famous old name for next year's election

A new British party borrows a famous old name for next year's election
Louis-Marie, Vicomte de Noailles, in 1798. A portrait by Gilbert Stuart of Philadelphia.

How the French won the American Revolution

There might be no Fourth of July holiday without the French. Their help was vital to the winning of the War for Independence, and the survival of the early republic. The tragic story of one French aristocrat illustrates that relationship. And it’s not Lafayette!

How the French won the American Revolution
Henry Liu and his son at Fenway Park in April 2010.

Henry Liu is a musket-carrying member of the Lexington Minute Men. He's also Chinese American.

There are some requirements to be a Lexington Minute Man. You have to be a US citizen and you have to be male. Your ancestry, though, doesn't matter, either to other reenactors or, apparently, the crowds.

Henry Liu is a musket-carrying member of the Lexington Minute Men. He's also Chinese American.

New Digital Public Library of America seeks to increase accessibility to treasured works

The Digital Public Library of America is seeking to build a large collection of digital archives that otherwise might not be widely available. It went online this week.

New Digital Public Library of America seeks to increase accessibility to treasured works

Iranian American dismayed to learn State Department no longer wants his services

Amir Mohammed Estakhri has spent nearly a dozen year working with the State Department as an Iranian-language translator. But, recently, he's learned his services are no longer needed -- and he thinks it may be because he translated for Iranian officials in the U.S. as well.

Iranian American dismayed to learn State Department no longer wants his services
The World

Iran and the US: An Interpreter Working For Both Sides Hits a Wall

A California man who used to take pride in his role in helping facilitate communication between US and Iran may be facing a forced career change.

Iran and the US: An Interpreter Working For Both Sides Hits a Wall

Obama's Simple Rhetoric, and Rubio's Spanish Reply

Obama's Simple Rhetoric, and Rubio's Spanish Reply

Second inaugural addressess typically shorter, rarely well-remembered

Every four years, a president is sworn in to office in the United States. Traditionally, that person, delivers an address to the nation, laying out priorities for his term. But typically, when that president is doing so for the second time, it's a shorter address.

Second inaugural addressess typically shorter, rarely well-remembered

Never Underestimate Your Enemy: General Washington at Princeton

Never Underestimate Your Enemy: General Washington at Princeton

U.S. Clean Air Act is back in court

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., heard two days of oral arguments in a case pitting coal, oil and steel industry groups against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The coalition that took the EPA to court claims Clean Air Act regulations are unfounded and burdensome for businesses.

U.S. Clean Air Act is back in court

Former Clinton Speechwriter Reacts to Obama's State of the Union Address

Former Clinton Speechwriter Reacts to Obama's State of the Union Address