From the date the founding fathers supposedly signed the Declaration of Independence to the actual purpose Chicago acquired its famously blustery nickname, American historical past is plagued by wildly common myths and untruths which have been handed off as “details” for generations. Do not consider us? Learn on to find 23 of essentially the most primary American historical past questions which can be normally answered incorrectly—and see the way you stack up with the remainder of the nation.
Incorrect: Washington, D.C.
Appropriate: New York Metropolis
The Massive Apple—the place George Washington made the primary inaugural tackle on April 30, 1789—was the situation of the nation’s first capital. And it seems that Washington and New York aren’t alone in relation to the nationwide honor. Different cities which have served because the capital at one time or one other embody Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Lancaster, Pennsylvania (for simply 24 hours!); York, Pennsylvania; Princeton, New Jersey; Annapolis, Maryland; and Trenton, New Jersey. And for extra trivia about America’s main metropolises, take a look at The Historical past Behind New York’s “The Massive Apple” and Different Metropolis Nicknames.
Incorrect: Christopher Columbus
Appropriate: Leif Erikson
There’s a complete vacation named after Christopher Columbus, however he is nearly actually not the primary explorer to find the brand new continent. That honor, in accordance with some students, goes to Norse explorer Leif Erikson. In reality, the man we rejoice each October by no means even set foot in what’s now america of America throughout any of his 4 voyages.
Based on Encyclopedia Britannica, he first made landfall, in 1492, in an island within the Bahamas. (The precise island is up for historic debate.) Over the course of three subsequent voyages, he stopped in numerous areas all through the Caribbean and South America—together with Cuba, Hispaniola, and the Paria Peninsula, or modern-day Venezuela—and even established a colony in modern-day Haiti. However he by no means made it to the land that may turn out to be america.
Incorrect: July 4, 1776
Appropriate: August 2nd, 1776
Whereas the Second Continental Congress initially met in Philadelphia to debate the nation’s future on July 1, 1776, and declared America’s independence from England on July 2, the ultimate draft of the Declaration of Independence doc wasn’t completed till July 4—and wasn’t really signed till August 2 of that yr. Right now, we rejoice the day the doc’s textual content was finalized. Although should you wished to throw a barbecue on August 2nd, certainly nobody would (or might) complain. And for some extra details in regards to the U.S. authorities, take a look at 13 Shocking Information In regards to the Presidential Line of Succession.
Incorrect: Plymouth Rock
Appropriate: Unknown
Based on the The Washington Publish, the one purpose we at present assume that Plymouth Rock is the spot the place the pilgrims first touched U.S. soil is as a result of, 121 years after their arrival, “a younger boy overheard 95-year-old Thomas Faunce relate that his father, who got here to Plymouth three years after the Mayflower, instructed him he’d heard from unnamed individuals that the touchdown occurred there.”
So it is a proven fact that’s primarily based on a rumor that is a whole lot of years previous. WaPo additionally notes that the English puritan William Bradford failed to say Plymouth Rock in his ebook, Of Plymouth Plantation, which might be a reasonably large oversight on his half if that was in reality the place they landed.
Incorrect: “The British are coming!”
Appropriate: “The regulars are coming!” (If something)
Seems, Paul Revere in all probability did not yell something on his well-known midnight experience, because it was a covert mission. Plus, again then, nobody used the time period “British.” Had Revere been yelling the phrase he is greatest identified for, he not solely would have attracted lots of undesirable consideration, however nobody would have had any concept of what he was attempting to say—or who he was yelling about.
It is extra probably that Revere mentioned one thing alongside the strains of, “The regulars are coming,” and that he mentioned it simply as soon as: When he arrived on the home that Samuel Adams and John Hancock—fugitives on the time—have been holed up in.
Incorrect: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria
Appropriate: the Santa Maria, the Santa Clara, and unknown
The Santa Maria was certainly the identify of 1 ship, although the crew referred to as it La Gallega, after the province the place it was constructed, Galicia. The second ship was the Santa Clara, however was nicknamed the Niña as a consequence of the truth that it was owned by a person named Juan Niño. Lastly, the third ship wasn’t formally deemed the Pinta, however that is the identify that was given to it by saucy sailors who have been impressed by the Spanish time period for “the painted one” or “prostitute,” in accordance with Historical past.com. The ship’s unique identify has been misplaced to historical past.
Incorrect: A cow kicking over a lantern
Appropriate: It stays unsure
Should you thought it was a cow kicking over a lantern, you have been believing a widespread rumor that was sparked approach again when the fireplace first occurred. When some native boys began saying that the blaze was brought on by a lady named Catherine O’Leary who had supposedly been milking her cow in her barn, the newspapers picked up the story and printed it. Nevertheless, there’s by no means been proof that the story was true. In reality, O’Leary vehemently denied the declare, saying she was in mattress on the time and could not have been accountable. In 1997, the Chicago Metropolis Council formally cleared Catherine—and her cow—from all blame.
So, what actually prompted it? Nicely, thus far, nobody can say for certain. Some individuals counsel that males have been playing in O’Leary’s barn, and one kicked over a lantern in a drunken furor. Others say that one man, Daniel “Pegleg” Sullivan, was stealing some milk from O’Leary and, within the course of, by accident knocked over a lantern. Whereas others have gone thus far to theorize that the fireplace was sparked by a meteorite bathe.
Incorrect: Overenthusiastic patriots
Appropriate: Shoddy craftsmanship
It is a frequent fantasy that enthusiastic patriots cracked the Liberty Bell whereas celebrating on July 4, 1776. However the fact is that the bell has been affected by repeated cracks because it was first (poorly) solid. Whereas the error has been addressed a number of occasions over time, that persistent cut up retains coming again. Based on Nationwide Geographic, the crack we see at the moment confirmed up sooner or later within the nineteenth century—although nobody can agree on precisely when it popped up.
Incorrect: April 9, 1865
Appropriate: Might 9, 1865
Should you thought the Civil Struggle ended when Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, on April 9, 1865, you would be off the mark. Following the Battle of Appomattox Court docket Home in Virginia on April 9, 1865, it took a full month for the union to declare victory. However, as soon as accomplice Joseph E. Johnston, surrendered his military on April 26, 1865, the battle was all however over. President Andrew Johnson formally declared victory on Might 9, 1865.
Incorrect: France
Appropriate: France—with some assist from New York
France was accountable for the long-lasting statue, however New York Metropolis needed to scramble to crowdfund sufficient cash to pay for the enormous granite base that the statue sits on. In reality, the Massive Apple nearly did not provide you with the cash in time, and different cities, like Boston and Philadelphia—who each had the funds accessible—made makes an attempt to have the statue erected on their turf as an alternative.
Incorrect: The storming of Normandy (D-Day)
Appropriate: The Battle of Antietam
Whereas there have been a minimum of 4,414 confirmed allied deaths on D-Day, that does not examine to the variety of lives misplaced on September 17, 1862, in the course of the Battle of Antietam. Proper exterior of Sharpsburg, Maryland, the brutal Civil Struggle battle resulted in almost 23,000 American casualties.
Incorrect: Spiritual freedom
Appropriate: Financial alternative
Frankly, the pilgrims had already discovered a component of spiritual freedom in Holland. Whereas it nonetheless remained an element of their choice to set sail for the brand new world, the principle purpose for his or her journey was to search out higher financial alternatives.
Incorrect: Henry Ford
Appropriate: Karl Benz
Karl Benz, the person behind Mercedes-Benz, invented his first vehicle in Germany, circa 1885. By 1889, Benz was exhibiting his Mannequin 3 business automobile on the Paris World’s Honest. Henry Ford‘s Mannequin T did not hit the market till 1908.
Incorrect: It is actually windy!
Appropriate: It is dwelling to a complete lot of “windbag” politicians
Whereas Chicago actually does expertise some blustery climate, the identify has nothing to do with the out of doors parts. In reality, in accordance with one USA Right now report, Chicago would not even crack the highest 10 windiest cities.
Chi-town probably picked up its nickname due to the “long-winded” politicians that rose to energy in the course of the nineteenth century. It is unclear when precisely the moniker was first used, nevertheless it got here such a ubiquitous time period in newspapers all through the 1800s that it simply caught—for good.
Incorrect: Thomas Edison or Benjamin Franklin
Appropriate: It is unclear, nevertheless it wasn’t both of the 2 you in all probability thought
Whereas one examine discovered that 37 % of People assume that Benjamin Franklin invented the lightbulb and loads of others would go for Thomas Edison, neither man was really the primary behind that exact innovation. As reported by Science Focus, “The fundamental concept of utilizing electrical energy to create mild was first investigated over 200 years in the past by the English chemist Humphrey Davy.” Nevertheless, Davy confronted the problem of discovering an inexpensive materials that burned brightly and was long-lasting, so “U.S. inventor Thomas Edison is usually credited with creating the answer in 1879: the carbon filament mild bulb.”
And whereas that sounds spectacular, Ripley’s explains that, “by the point Edison began engaged on it, the sunshine bulb had been round for a very long time, simply in a unique type.” In reality, “about 20 inventors from the world over had drafted numerous patents on it.”
Incorrect: Betsy Ross
Appropriate: Francis Hopkinson (perhaps)
Betsy Ross was by no means credited with the creation of the flag at any level throughout her lifetime. In reality, it wasn’t till almost a century later, in 1870—twenty years after her loss of life, by the best way—that anybody thought to present her credit score. William J. Canby introduced a paper on the matter to the Historic Society of Pennsylvania, and Ross was shortly established in American legend because the creator of the flag. (Not for nothing: Canby was Ross’ grandson.)
Nevertheless, historians aren’t 100-percent certain Ross deserves the credit score. Accounts differ on who the creator might need been, however some historians consider the consideration belongs to Francis Hopkinson, a member of the Continental Congress—specifically as a result of he made the declare whereas he was nonetheless alive. And, in accordance with The Life and Works of Francis Hopkinson, he simply requested for one factor as fee: 1 / 4 of 1 cask of wine, which he by no means acquired.
Incorrect: Burned on the stake
Appropriate: Hanged on the gallows
Should you thought that burning witches on the stake was part of the Salem witch trials, then you definately’d be fallacious. Whereas those that have been persecuted did endure horrible fates, they both died by hanging—just like the 19 individuals who met their unhappy finish on Gallows Hill—or, within the case of Giles Corey, have been pressed to loss of life with giant stones.
Apparently, Corey’s case is the one recorded loss of life by urgent in U.S. historical past, and was dramatized in The Crucible, Arthur Miller’s seminal 1953 play.
Incorrect: They fell in love and lived fortunately ever after.
Appropriate: Pocahontas married John Rolfe
That entire story about Pocahontas and John Smith falling in love is only a fabrication of Disney film magic. In actuality, Pocahontas was simply 11 or 12 years previous when Smith confirmed up. And whereas she could have saved him from being killed by her highly effective father, there is not any proof that the 2 fell in love or lived fortunately ever after. The actual story is much much less Disney-friendly.
First, she was held captive by the English for a while. Then, she transformed to Christianity, modified her identify to Rebecca, and, when she turned 17, married a tobacco planter named John Rolfe. The 2 had a son and ultimately traveled to England, the place Pocahontas handed away when she was about 20 or 21 years previous.
Incorrect: October 17-19, 1781
Appropriate: September 3, 1783
It is true that Charles Cornwallis surrendered on October 17, 1781—formally signing articles of capitulation two days later, successfully ending full-scale fight operations within the colonies. However the battle did not formally finish till almost three years later. In November 1782, British and American representatives signed preliminary peace phrases in Paris. Nevertheless, preventing continued till September 3, 1783, when Britain formally acknowledged American independence with the Treaty of Paris.
Incorrect: Abner Doubleday
Appropriate: Alexander Pleasure Cartwright, Jr
Because the story goes, Abner Doubleday invented baseball in 1839, in Cooperstown, New York. However, in accordance with the Society for American Baseball Analysis, “no proof exists” to counsel that Doubleday had “something to do with baseball.” Accounts from that point counsel he even disliked the game: Doubleday’s personal obituary says “he was fairly averse to out-door [sic] sports activities.”
Frankly, it is laborious to say who actually got here up with the favored pastime. However all indicators level to Alexander Pleasure Cartwright, Jr. Along with founding the New York Knickerbockers Base Ball Membership in 1845, he was inducted to the Baseball Corridor of Fame in 1938, the place his plaque reads: “Father of Fashionable Base Ball.”
Incorrect: Violent and lawless
Appropriate: Fairly tame, really
To take it from John Wayne and Butch Cassidy, the previous West was an unpredictable free-for-all—only one region-wide, decades-long brawl. Factor is, that is all fantasy. Peter J. Hill, a senior fellow on the Property and Atmosphere Analysis Middle, places it succinctly: “the violence of the [Wild] West is essentially a fantasy.” Even the gunfight on the O.Okay. Corral, maybe essentially the most storied shootout of all the period, resulted in a comparatively modest physique rely of three.
Incorrect: Turkey
Appropriate: C’mon—it was a joke
In a 1784 letter to his daughter, Benjamin Franklin wrote in regards to the new American seal, and the hen emblazoned on it. “For my very own half I want the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Consultant of our Nation,” Franklin wrote. “He’s a Chook of unhealthy ethical Character. He doesn’t get his Residing actually. You might have seen him perched on some useless Tree close to the River, the place, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk.”
As an alternative, Franklin had another suggestion: the turkey. “For the Reality, the Turkey is in Comparability a way more respectable Chook, and withal a real unique Native of America… He’s moreover, although somewhat useless & foolish, a Chook of Braveness, and wouldn’t hesitate to assault a Grenadier of the British Guards who ought to presume to invade his Farm Yard with a purple Coat on.”
Yeah, he was joking.
Incorrect: George Washington
Appropriate: Peyton Randolph
George Washington was the nation’s first elected president. However he was not at all the nation’s first president.
Through the Revolutionary Struggle, in 1775, Peyton Randolph was the primary (and third) president of the Continental Congress. In 1783, Thomas Mifflin, an aide to Washington in the course of the battle, served as president, and ratified the Treaty of Paris. However John Hancock holds the excellence of serving essentially the most time as president of the Continental Congress. Over two separate phrases—the fourth and thirteenth—he served greater than 1,000 days within the function.
All instructed, there have been greater than a dozen presidents earlier than George Washington took workplace. And for extra startling truths about our nation’s leaders, listed below are 30 Superb Information About U.S. Presidents You By no means Knew.