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

Most Popular Posts
On
This
Day
On February 1, 1861, Texas became the seventh state to secede from the Union after Abraham Lincoln’s election. Governor Sam Houston was an ardent Unionist, but pressure mounted on him to call a convention so that secession could be discussed. The vote was overwhelmingly to secede (166-8), so Houston resigned his position as governor and Texas left the Union. It was part of the first wave of states to secede.
Black Leaders
Sgt. William Carney, Former Slave and Medal of Honor Recipient
Sgt. William Carney, Former Slave and Medal of Honor Recipient Read More »
Charles David, Jr: Selfless Coast Guard Hero of World War II
Charles David, Jr: Selfless Coast Guard Hero of World War II Read More »
Bridget “Biddy” Mason, Former Slave, Landowner, and Philanthropist
Bridget “Biddy” Mason, Former Slave, Landowner, and Philanthropist Read More »
Black Ranch Manager Makes Stunning Archaeological Find
Black Ranch Manager Makes Stunning Archaeological Find Read More »
Love what you’re reading?
Skip the noise and get compelling stories about America delivered to your inbox. Mailings arrive about every other week.
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
Recent Stories
Rose Knox: Businesswoman Ahead of Her Time
Abraham Lincoln’s Childhood: Growing Up to Be President
Abraham Lincoln’s Childhood: Growing Up to Be President Read More »
Lincoln Logs Invented by Frank L. Wright’s Son
Chief Standing Bear’s Victory for Civil Rights
The Invention of the Fire Escape
First Giant Panda Brought to U.S. by Ruth Harkness
First Giant Panda Brought to U.S. by Ruth Harkness Read More »
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)