topic Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE in Community Chat

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Oznell — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 01:44:20 GMT

The 250th birthday of the U.S. is sparking all kinds of excitement, and interest in the citizens of the newly forming nation.

Haym Salomon was born to a Sephardic Jewish family in Poland, but after he came to the New World in the 1770's, he joined the revolutionary Sons of Liberty.

He was a merchant and a linguist, who ended up, according to historians, being a major financier of the Continental Congress. As such, he worked with Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance for the United States.

In so doing, he was instrumental in getting George Washington the extensive funds he needed for his all-important Yorktown campaign.

He was also an American spy for the Sons of Liberty, arrested by the Brits multiple times for espionage, suffering a lengthy detention, and even narrowly escaping execution.

His facility with the French language made him a natural to be liaison with our ally France, becoming an agent of the consul in the war effort.

He also found time to be active in his faith community, working effectively for religious liberty and financing the construction of the main building of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia.

In the end, he generously donated his personal fortune to the Continental Congress and several Founding Fathers. He died impoverished, sadly.

Isn't it amazing, the amount of productive activity of these extremely clever, highly motivated early patriots? No wonder the American Revolution proved to be the most successful in history.

If I'm remembering correctly, this bio might be aimed at the middle school crowd. I'd probably like it, ha.

For adults, a quite old biography ( 1930, I think), but said to be well written--

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

granddi — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 02:33:50 GMT

Robert Morris is know as the financier of the American Revolution.

We just completed a 14 day American Revolution Tour. It was fast furious. Very fortunate to have a tour guide that was a sponge for all things American History plus excellent on site experts.

It is just great to be more informed about history.

Lots of visitors at the various sites.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

willowbark — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 03:33:28 GMT

In 1975, the United States Postal Service issued a commenorative stamp honoring Haym Salomon for his contributions to the cause of the American Revolution. This stamp, like others in the "Contributors to the Cause" series, was printed on the front and the back. On the glue side of the stamp, the following words were printed in pale green ink: "Financial Hero – Businessman and broker Haym Salomon was responsible for raising most of the money needed to finance the American Revolution and later to save the new nation from collapse".

In 1946, a memorial statue was erected to Salomon at Hollenbeck Park in Los Angeles. The statue was rededicated in 2008 at Pan-Pacific Park in the Fairfax District, where it can be found on the corner of Gardner and Third Street.

Here is the statue:

source: Wikipedia

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

TVLand — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 04:36:27 GMT

When does this series begin, I can't find it on my PBS.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

10sluvr — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 08:15:16 GMT

@TVLand wrote:
When does this series begin, I can't find it on my PBS.

i had to google it. it came up with our local pbs channel and the episodes available. Ken Burns always does a nice job of topic.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Oznell — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:16:53 GMT

@granddi , great stuff, that must have been fun!

@willowbark , thanks for further info on Salomon, and the picture of his statue. Very impressive. I wonder why they moved it from one park to another. These statues and monuments to early figures are so important and help make history "real", esp. to kids.

@TVLand , and @10sluvr , I wasn't aware there were any TV series on Saloman. My title for thread must have been misleading-- by "Part One", I meant it was the first of threads I'd like to post on various Revolutionary figures that interest me!

Will look further into it for possible films/ documentaries that deal with him, and post. Have a feeling that C-SPAN has archived stuff on Salomon.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Travone — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:20:55 GMT

@granddi what tour company was this? Sounds like something I would enjoy.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Lakelife62 — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:33:58 GMT

Not all statues and monuments are fit to be displayed publicly. Some are shrines to terrible, violent and corrupt figures. Those statues need to be relegated to the Museum of National Shame, where kids can learn about the good, bad and ugly truths that shaped our country.

This man however, seems to deserve his spot in bronze. Glad to see some diversity as well.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Oznell — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:08:24 GMT

@TVLand and @10sluvr , bingo! There was a short film made in 1939, with a stellar cast and director, about Salomon.

"Sons of Liberty". 1939. Claude Rains, Gale Sondergaard, Donald Crisp, Henry O'Neill. directed by the acclaimed Michael Curtiz ( "Casablanca", "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Mildred Pierce" )

Won an Oscar for best short subject.

More recent stuff is popping up, will check into it when able.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Puzzle Piece — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:08:56 GMT

Amazing how the many talents and skills it took to build this nation.

We truly are a tapestry of wealth.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

granddi — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:00:14 GMT

@Travone wrote:
@granddi what tour company was this? Sounds like something I would enjoy.

It was Tauck: In Freedom's Footsteps.

It was not just visiting a particular site-building-painting- it was immersive in the history with the most expert guides.

They make very special arrangements such as visiting the DC Archives 90 minutes before it opens to the public with a guide.

It was so special. The building was empty except for employees and our group of 26.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Northray — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 16:53:11 GMT

Love your posts, always interesting and educational.

America is special and always worth celebrating.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

cimeranrose — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:03:52 GMT

Great post @Oznell . Thanks for sharing this interesting piece of American history. I love history.

Whenever I read anything about the American Revolution, I am reminded of my 5th great-grandfather who was born in Wiltshire, England and in his late teenage years he came to America and joined the American army to fight for America's freedom. He died in the early 1800's in Erie County, New York.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Oznell — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:35:27 GMT

That is a beautiful, poetic sentiment, @Puzzle Piece -- and so true.

Thanks, @Northray and @cimeranrose . Agreed, America is special indeed, @Northray ! @cimeranrose , it is very exciting to know this precious part of your family's role in a new nation....

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Lakelife62 — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:29:45 GMT

The ability for America to regain its "specialness" is directly correlated to the functioning of its institutions. Primarily the rule of law. Its is troubling when the foundation of our greatness is being tested on many fronts. But I have complete confidence that the center (and our precious democracy) will hold.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

haddon9 — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:41:14 GMT

@granddi Sounds like a very interesting trip! I know that Tauck does excellent tours.

Did you happen to visit Washington Crossing, PA? It's the town right next to mine and we have seen the reenactors cross the Delaware several times when the kids were in school.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

granddi — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 23:58:58 GMT

@haddon9 wrote:
@granddi Sounds like a very interesting trip! I know that Tauck does excellent tours.

Did you happen to visit Washington Crossing, PA? It's the town right next to mine and we have seen the reenactors cross the Delaware several times when the kids were in school.

Yes! We started in lower Manhatten. Valley Forge, Pa, Gettysburg,Harpers Ferry, Monticello, Charlottsville, Richmond, UVA, Williamsburg, DC, Mt Vernon. I'm probably leaving out a stop.

Some travelers asked why Gettysburg but it was important.

Just an observation: Most of the travelers have been literally all over the world but several had never been to DC. Many were first time visitors to many of the stops.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

haddon9 — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:42:32 GMT

@granddi Sounds like a fabulous tour of early American history! Many of those places we had been to when the kids were young since they aren't far for us to visit. However a tour like that sounds so interesting!

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Cakers3 — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:54:30 GMT

@Oznell

Thank you for your special threads. The few times I can pop in lately I look for your threads right away.

You are always just about the best at showcasing topics without any agenda.

Keep up the great work. We need more intelligent sources to make the ride here pleasant and informative.

Re: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, PART ONE

Oznell — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:38:48 GMT

That is so kind of you, @Cakers3 , thank you very much for those supportive words! I was thinking recently that I hadn't noticed your name around here quite as much, so am glad to see whenever you make an appearance, however brief. Hoping many blessings come your way.