Revolutionary War

Exclusive–O’Donnell: American Thermopylae, One of the Most Important Battles in American History Started in a Watermelon Patch 250 Years Ago

Never did it look more like there might not ever be a United States of America than on August 27, 1776 –Washington nearly captured, his army surrounded, a brave remnant decimated. The fate of the new nation dangled precariously during the savage fighting at the Battle of Brooklyn, and the conflict started in a watermelon patch the night before.

Battle_of_Long_Island,_1858

Exclusive–O’Donnell: American Thermopylae 1776

This elite unit of Marylanders, known as “Washington’s Immortals” or the “Bayonets of the Revolution” for their Thermopylae-like charge against a British stronghold, bought with their blood “an hour, more precious to American liberty than any other in its history.”

Battle of Long Island, 1858 Alonzo Chappel/Public Domain

Exclusive–O’Donnell: Bunker Hill: The Man Worth 500 Men

Two hundred and forty-six years ago this week, in one of America’s most sacred battles, hundreds of American patriots fought and died for their yet-to-be-born country. America suffered many losses in the Battle of Bunker Hill, but one of the greatest was the life of Patriot leader, Doctor Joseph Warren. 

Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill by John Trumbull

Exclusive–O’Donnell: Washington’s Immortals: ‘The Bayonets of the Revolution’ Who Saved the Continental Army

Two hundred and forty-four years ago this week, “Gentleman of Honour, Family, and Fortune” made a Thermopylae-like stand that saved Washington’s army during the Battle of Brooklyn.Two hundred and forty-four years ago this week, “Gentleman of Honour, Family, and Fortune” made a Thermopylae-like stand that saved Washington’s army during the Battle of Brooklyn. Their attack that earned them the nickname “The Bayonets of The Revolution” may have also saved the month-old United States.

Battleoflongisland.jpg Washington’s Immortals Stand during the Battle of Brooklyn