Stories of America’s Past

Welcome to America Comes Alive!, a site I created to share little-known stories of regular people who made a difference and changed the course of history. Look around and see what inspires you! — Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly
pigeon release WWI

Winged Warriors of World Wars I and II

Homing pigeons saved thousands of lives during both World Wars.  Despite amazing technological progress in warfare during the early 20th century, there were times when the military needed to rely on other methods of communication. An estimated 500,000 homing pigeons were used in the first World War. It was an old “technology” for new warfare. Sometimes the front line moved forward faster than the Signal Corps could string new wiring for telephones or telegraphs. At…
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Red Star Animal Relief

The Enduring Role of Animals in World War I

World War I marked a turning point in warfare, ushering in an era of large-scale mechanization. Trains, trucks, tanks, cars, and motorcycles were deployed for the war, yet animals remained indispensable. Before the United States entered the war, France and Britain were importing horses, mules, and donkeys from the U.S. But buying and importing animals was both difficult and expensive. Many of the animals became ill during transatlantic transit. When the United States entered the…
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Dissolvable Pills: An Important Invention by Upjohn

The Upjohn Company was a major name in the pharmaceutical business for many years. Its founder, Dr. W.E. Upjohn, invented the dissolvable pill at a time when liquid and powder measurements were inexact. The “friable” pill was a huge step forward in medicine. For the first time, doctors could provide a patient with an accurately-dosed amount of medicine that would dissolve as it went through the body. For more than 40 years, Dr. Upjohn led…
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Annie Oakley: Sharpshooter & Remarkable Woman

Annie Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Mosey. She grew up to be an international celebrity for her marksmanship. As a child, she needed to help hunt for the family and she became a remarkable sharpshooter. Eventually she changed her name to Annie Oakley and toured with traveling shows. Her level of marksmanship was extraordinary. The work required great vision, dexterity, excellent eye-hand coordination, and the ability to function under pressure. What’s more, Oakley did what…
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On
This
Day

On July 23, 1967, one of the worst riots in U.S. history broke out in the heart of inner city Detroit–12th Street. In the early morning hours, the police launched a raid against an illegal club. The people in side were celebrating the return of 2 servicemen from Vietnam. Onlookers gathered to watch, and soon public protest started. The military was called in, but it took four days to calm the city. Forth-three died, 342 were injured. Nearly 1,400 building burned.

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Welcome to America Comes Alive!, a site I created to share little-known stories of regular people who made a difference and changed the course of history. Look around and see what inspires you! — Kate Kelly

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Part of the inspiration for this site comes from this remark: “People do not want to hear about simple things. They want to hear about great things – simply told.”

Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams (1860-1935)
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