The Glorious Cause of America

“We are in the very midst of a revolution,” wrote John Adams, “the most complete, unexpected and remarkable of any in the history of nations” (136).

The Book

It is incredible to think of all that happened during one pivotal year and author David McCullough uses 1776 to unpack a variety of perspectives and events.

The book is split into three parts: The Siege [of Boston], Fateful Summer, and The Long Retreat. To help provide background, the first part begins in London as King George III opens Parliament in October 1775. McCullough takes the time to describe the character of King George III, the perspective of Great Britain, and the various voices raised regarding potential war with the Colonies. I found this first chapter helpful because I honestly didn’t know much about this part of history. The second chapter introduces the reader to the Colonies and the Continental Army laying siege to Boston. Throughout the rest of the book, McCullough intertwines the stories and perspectives of Great Britain and the Continental Army.

What struck me the most were McCullough’s descriptions of the Continental Army, which at the beginning really wasn’t an army. It was a collection of rag-tag volunteers who lacked discipline and uniformity, whose camp was plagued with filth and sickness, and who was constantly in danger of losing men whose enlistment was up. It made me marvel at the eventual success and that it held together long enough for success. In fact, 1776 was not a year of military victories for General Washington and his men. The one constant was the courage and perseverance of those who truly believed in the fight for independence.

1776 builds upon what we learn in school to help provide new perspectives and a greater understanding. It dives deeper into one year, but doesn’t overwhelm the reader. There are numerous mini stories that help to place the reader in the story and McCullough uses them to introduce us to average people (Loyalists, Hessian soldiers, Patriots, and members of the Continental Army).

The Place
The Museum of the American Revolution is a welcome addition to Philadelphia’s list of landmarks; a museum that houses the artifacts and walks a visitor through the story of American independence. It is a fully immersive museum that takes full advantage of technological advancements. Artifacts and reproductions are interspersed with touch screens to help visitors learn more. The story told by the Museum of the American Revolution covers all the subplots from start to finish, leaving visitors with a greater appreciation for the everyday patriots committed to independence.

Nestled among numerous other sites important to the story of 1776, the Museum of the American Revolution is easy to get to by car or public transportation. When I visited, we took the PATCO Speedline from South Jersey and walked to the museum. There are also several parking garages in the area. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum.

One of the gems of Philadelphia is the close proximity of the landmarks. Carpenters Hall (the location of the First Continental Congress) is across the street from the museum. A short walking distance away is Benjamin Franklin’s home and Betsy Ross’s home. Even if you do not have time to tour these places, it is still a neat experience to walk through so much history.

Dayton Aviators

“With their homemade machine, Wilbur and Orville Wright had shown without a doubt that man could fly and if the world did not yet know it, they did” (107).

The Book

Much has been said and written about Wilbur and Orville Wright; the down-to-earth brothers who brought flight to the world. Yet, The Wright Brothers by David McCullough, still provides the reader with a fresh take on a well-loved story.

The first several pages serve as an orientation to the Wright Brothers as adults-a character sketch helping the reader understand who these two men were. The rest of the book helps the reader to see those character sketches in action, from early days through all the time spent tinkering and experimenting to recognition as the inventors of the airplane.  

McCullough provides a brief overview of the family history, the Wright Brothers as children, and their early jobs (printing and bicycle makers). After setting the stage with the first flights in Kitty Hawk (1900-1903), McCullough focuses the book on what happened next. The reader learns of the test flights at Huffman Prairie outside Dayton, OH, the early interest of both Britain and France (but not America) in the Wright Flyer, and the time spent, by both brothers, staging demonstrations in Europe and America. Throughout the book, it becomes clear that Wilbur and Orville were meticulous, protective, and committed to solving the centuries old question of flight.

The Wright Brothers is well-written and easy to read. McCullough introduces enough technical language to help the reader grasp the development of flight, but also provides explanations to help the reader understand. Family letters are used to help show what the various members of the Wright family were thinking or experiencing. This lends authenticity to the book. The reader walks away with a greater appreciation for the Wright Brothers and amazement at how quickly the airplane developed.

The Place

Dayton, OH provides numerous opportunities to explore the lives of two of her favorite sons. Two of these provide a look at the early chapters and the last chapters of the Wright Brothers lives.

First, is the Wright Cycle Complex. This complex includes the Wright’s fourth bicycle shop and a museum. Tours of the bicycle shop are provided for visitors. The museum encompasses several parts: the Wright Brothers, the history of innovation, Paul Laurence Dunbar (an African-American poet who was friends with the Orville Wright), the location of the Wright’s printing shop, and a parachute museum. Admission is free, but there are seasonal operating hours. Just blocks away, is the location of the original Wright Family home on Hawthorn Street.

Second, is Hawthorn Hill, the home completed in 1914 for the family to live in (Orville, sister Katherine, and father Bishop). Unfortunately, Wilbur died prior to its completion. Hawthorn Hill is a beautiful house that is currently being restored to the way it looked when the Wrights lived there. The restoration does not prevent tours, which are offered twice on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Pre-paid admission is required and visitors ride a bus to the home.