Today in History: Pennsylvania Ratifies the Constitution
Today in 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the United States Constitution. The event was the culmination of a bitter fight in Philadelphia between delegates both for and against ratification in the state. James Wilson, who had represented the state...
Thomas Paine, Execution Escape Artist
Americans generally remember Thomas Paine as the renowned writer of Common Sense, the most persuasive and popular case for American independence from the British crown. However, many may be unaware that the radical political agitator later returned to his native...
Thomas Paine, Bridge Builder
Thomas Paine had many talents beyond writing, but the most surprising and under-appreciated was his aptitude for engineering. Following the American triumph in the War of Independence, Paine became encumbered with financial issues that plagued him for many years. As I...