Timeline of American Historical Tales
timeline by period (PRE-CIVIL WAR, CIVIL WAR AND POST-CIVIL WAR)
These historical excerpts recount various events and figures in American history, spanning from early explorations and colonial encounters to pivotal moments in wars and significant inventions.
Pre-Civil War Period
Circa 1000 - Early 11th Century
1000-1010
Vineland and the Vikings: This tale recounts the voyages of Biarni, Leif Erikson, Thorvald, Thorstein, and Thorfinn to Vineland, including the birth of Snorri Thorfinnson, the first white child born in America. These events occurred around the years 1000 to 1010.
1513
Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth: Juan Ponce de Leon sailed from Porto Rico in 1513 and landed in Florida on Easter Sunday, March 27, naming the land.
Import Pages
1540
1540
De Soto and the Father of Waters: Hernando de Soto's expedition encountered hostile Indians at Mavilla (present-day Mobile) in the autumn of 1540. His men later resumed their journey, facing further battles.
Late 16th Century
1588
The Lost Colony of Roanoke: English colonists were left at Roanoke, and when ships returned years later (after the Spanish Armada in 1588), they found the colony deserted.
16th Century
1576
Frobisher and the Northwest Passage: This refers to Martin Frobisher's voyage in 1576, during which he sighted southern Greenland and encountered the Inuit people on the American continent.
Early 17th Century
1608-1643
The Thrilling Adventure of Captain John Smith: This tale recounts an event near the opening of winter in 1608 where Captain John Smith was captured and brought before the Indian emperor Powhatan. It may also include the story of Pocahontas.
Champlain and the Iroquois: This tale likely covers Samuel de Champlain's explorations and interactions with the Iroquois in the early 17th century, starting with his expedition in 1609.
The Indian Massacre in Virginia: On March 22, 1622, a large-scale Indian massacre occurred in Virginia, organized by Opechancanough. This led to years of conflict between the English settlers and the Indians. A second major conspiracy by Opechancanough occurred in 1643, leading to his capture and death.
Mid-17th Century
1676
The Great Rebellion in the Old Dominion: This rebellion took place in Virginia in 1676, led by Nathaniel Bacon against the tyranny of Governor Sir William Berkeley, a century before the American Revolution. The rebellion involved conflicts with Native Americans and the burning of Jamestown.
Late 17th Century
1662-1682
Chevalier La Salle the Explorer of the Mississippi: In 1682, Chevalier La Salle journeyed down the Mississippi River, claiming the surrounding territory for France. He encountered various Indian tribes, including the Arkansas, who were hospitable.
Sir William Phips and the Silver-Ship: This recounts the life and adventures of William Phips, from his birth in 1651 to his successful treasure hunt in the mid-1680s, his knighthood, and his later expeditions and governorship, ending with his death in 1695.
The Story of the Regicides: This story concerns the flight to New England of Generals Whalley and Goffe after the execution of Charles I in 1649, and their subsequent life in hiding.
How the Charter was Saved: This likely refers to the attempts by King James II (reigned 1685-1688) to revoke the liberal charters of the New England colonies, particularly focusing on Connecticut's charter of 1662.
Early 18th Century
1714-1729
The Knights of the Golden Horseshoe: In August 1714, Governor Alexander Spotswood led an expedition of horsemen into the unknown wilderness west of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
How Franklin Came to Philadelphia: This tale describes Benjamin Franklin's journey from Boston to Philadelphia in 1723.
The French of Louisiana and the Natchez Indians: This story details the conflict between the French settlers in Louisiana and the Natchez Indians, culminating in the destruction of the Natchez tribe in 1729 due to French injustice.
Mid-18th Century
1742-1763
How Oglethorpe saved Georgia from Spain: In July 1742, General Oglethorpe successfully defended the Georgia colony against a Spanish invasion force at St. Simon's harbor.
A Boy's Working Holiday in the Wildwood: In the early spring of 1748, the young George Washington, at the age of sixteen, worked as a surveyor in the Shenandoah Valley for Lord Fairfax.
The Perils of the Wilderness: This likely refers to George Washington's mission in 1753 to deliver a message to the French commander on the Ohio, St. Pierre, demanding their withdrawal. This is considered an opening event of the French and Indian War.
Some Adventures of Major Putnam: This tale likely covers the early career of Israel Putnam during the French and Indian War (1754-1763), where he served as a scout and ranger.
Late 18th Century
1771-1792
Governor Tryon and the Carolina Regulators: The conflict between the North Carolina Regulators and Governor Tryon culminated in the Battle of the Alamance on May 16, 1771.
Lord Dunmore and the Gunpowder: In April 1775, Lord Dunmore, the governor of Virginia, seized gunpowder from the magazine in Williamsburg, a significant event leading to the Revolution. He later engaged in hostilities in Virginia.
Patrick Henry, the Herald of the Revolution: This would cover Patrick Henry's influential speeches and actions leading up to the American Revolution. The source mentions his famous words "Liberty or Death" in 1775.
Paul Revere's Ride: This recounts Paul Revere's famous ride on April 18, 1775, to warn the colonists of the approaching British troops, a pivotal event at the start of the American Revolutionary War.
The Green Mountain Boys: This tells the story of the Green Mountain Boys and their capture of Fort Ticonderoga in May 1775, led by Ethan Allen.
The British at New York: This likely refers to events during the American Revolutionary War involving the British occupation of New York City, possibly after the Battle of Long Island in 1776. The tale mentions General Putnam's perilous position.
A Quakeress Patriot: This story, set in Philadelphia during the Revolution, recounts the actions of a patriotic Quaker woman who provided crucial information to the American forces.
Late 18th Century Cont ...
1771-1792 cont ...
The Fatal Expedition of Colonel Rogers: In the summer of 1778, Colonel David Rogers led an expedition to New Orleans to obtain ammunition for the American forces, facing perils on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, ultimately meeting a tragic end.
How Colonel Clark won the Northwest: In 1778, Colonel George Rogers Clark led a daring expedition that resulted in the capture of Kaskaskia and Vincennes, securing the Northwest Territory for the United States.
The Siege of Fort Schuyler: This details the siege of Fort Schuyler (Fort Stanwix) in 1777 by British forces and their allies, and its defense by Colonel Gansevoort.
On the Track of a Traitor: This refers to Major Henry Lee's plan involving Sergeant-Major John Champe to capture Benedict Arnold after his treason in 1780.
Marion, the Swamp-Fox: This recounts the exploits of General Francis Marion, a resourceful American Revolutionary War general known for his actions in the Southern states, particularly around 1780.
King's Mountain and the Patriots of Tennessee: In October 1780, American patriots, including backwoodsmen from Tennessee, decisively defeated a Tory force led by Major Patrick Ferguson at King's Mountain.
General Greene's Famous Retreat: In 1781, General Nathanael Greene conducted a strategic retreat across North Carolina, outmaneuvering Lord Cornwallis and preserving the American forces in the South.
A Gallant Defence: This might broadly refer to the conflicts between European colonists and Native Americans, as described in the context of colonial expansion. The example given in the source is an attack on Fort Henry.
Daniel Boone, the Pioneer of Kentucky: This would cover the activities of Daniel Boone, particularly his pioneering efforts in Kentucky and his involvement in conflicts, including Indian wars, which continued into the early 19th century.
Eli Whitney, the Inventor of the Cotton-Gin: In 1792, Eli Whitney came to Georgia and by 1795, his cotton gin had begun to revolutionize cotton production in the South.
Early 19th Century
1804-1848
The Fate of the Philadelphia: This recounts Lieutenant Stephen Decatur's raid on the USS Philadelphia in Tripoli harbor in February 1804 during the Tripolitan War.
The Victim of a Traitor: This tells the story of Harman Blennerhasset and his unwitting involvement in Aaron Burr's conspiracy in the early 19th century (circa 1805).
How Old Hickory fought the Creeks: In 1813-1814, General Andrew Jackson led forces against the Creek Indians, culminating in a decisive victory at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend (Tohopeka) in March 1814.
The Pirates of Barataria Bay: This likely refers to events around 1814-1815, involving Jean Lafitte and the pirates of Barataria Bay, particularly their interactions with the American forces during the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans.
Early 19th Century Cont ...
1804-1848 cont ...
How the Electric Telegraph was Invented: Although the widespread adoption occurred later, Samuel F.B. Morse conceived the idea of the telegraph in 1832 during a transatlantic voyage. The initial invention falls within this period.
The Heroes of the Alamo: In 1836, the Texan defenders at the Alamo, including William Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett, fought bravely against the Mexican army led by Santa Anna.
How Houston won Freedom for Texas: In 1836, following the Alamo, General Sam Houston led the Texan forces to victory over Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing Texas independence.
Captain Robert E. Lee and the Lava-Beds: During the Mexican War (1846-1848), Captain Robert E. Lee distinguished himself through his engineering skills and bravery, including a daring midnight crossing of the lava fields before the Battle of Contreras.
A Christmas Day on the Plantation: This describes the Christmas festivities and social customs on a Southern plantation in the antebellum period, likely before the Civil War.
Civil War Period
1862
1862
The Monitor and the Merrimac: The battle between these ironclad ships took place in March 1862.
Stealing a Locomotive: This refers to the Great Locomotive Chase in April 1862, where Union spies stole the locomotive "The General" in Georgia.
Stuart's Famous Chambersburg Raid: In 1862, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart led a daring cavalry raid into Pennsylvania, reaching Chambersburg and causing considerable disruption to the Union forces.
1862-1965
1863
An Escape from Libby Prison: Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, was used to house captured Union officers during the American Civil War. This tale would recount an escape during this period.
Forrest's Chase of the Raiders: In April and May 1863, Confederate Lieutenant-General Nathan B. Forrest relentlessly pursued and ultimately captured the Union raiding force led by Colonel Abel D. Streight in a remarkable cavalry action.
Exploits of a Blockade-Runner: This tale describes the dangerous and often successful efforts of ships to run the Union blockade of Confederate ports, bringing in essential supplies and taking out cotton, using ports like Wilmington, North Carolina.
1862-1863
1863
Fontain, the Scout, and the Besiegers of Vicksburg: This story likely features a scout named Fontain involved in the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, highlighting the perilous work of scouts during the war.
Gordon and the Bayonet Charge at Antietam: This recounts an event during the Battle of Antietam in September 1862, possibly involving a significant bayonet charge by General John B. Gordon's troops.
The Last Triumph of Stonewall Jackson: This describes Stonewall Jackson's brilliant flank attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, which was a major Confederate victory but also led to Jackson's mortal wounding.
1863-1864
1863
John Morgan's Famous Raid: In the summer of 1863, Confederate General John H. Morgan led a famous cavalry raid through Indiana and Ohio, causing alarm in the North before his eventual capture.
The Sinking of the Albemarle: The Confederate ironclad Albemarle was active during the Civil War, and its sinking was a significant event.
Captain Gordon and the Raccoon Roughs: This likely recounts the experiences of General John B. Gordon and his men (possibly the "Raccoon Roughs") during various battles and events of the Civil War.
Post-Civil War Period
1865
1865
Home-Coming of General Lee and his Veterans: This narrative depicts the return of General Robert E. Lee and Confederate veterans to their homes in April 1865 after the surrender at Appomattox, focusing on their experiences and the atmosphere of the time.
1867
1867
Alaska, a Treasure House of Gold, Furs, and Fishes: The major exploitation of Alaska's resources, particularly the Klondike Gold Rush (late 1890s), occurred after the Civil War. The purchase of Alaska by the U.S. was in 1867.
1893
1893
How Hawaii Lost Its Queen and Entered the United States: The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and the subsequent annexation by the United States in 1898 are post-Civil War events.
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