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
U.S. War Dogs in the Pacific Theater
Devil Dogs was a term first used by the Germans to describe the U.S. Marines in World War I. They were such fierce fighters at the Battle of Belleau Woods … U.S. War Dogs in the Pacific Theater Read More »
Congressman John Lewis Leaves Lessons
John Lewis was a remarkable man, a Congressman from Georgia and a long-time, front-line civil rights leader. His moral leadership will be missed now that he’s gone. Since he was … Congressman John Lewis Leaves Lessons Read More »
The Gettysburg Cyclorama: The Movie of Its Day
Most of us love going to the movies. Whether we are there to be entertained, enlightened, or to be exposed to other worlds, we love sitting in the darkened theater … The Gettysburg Cyclorama: The Movie of Its Day Read More »
Gas Station to Gas Empire: Gilmore
In the 1870s, Arthur Gilmore and Julius Carter first met in Southern California where they were both prospecting for gold. As it became clear that their “get rich quick” plan … Gas Station to Gas Empire: Gilmore Read More »
Reckless: The Horse That Was a Marine
One of America’s heroes in the Korean War was a horse that was a Marine. With no rider and no escort, the horse—called Reckless—carried munitions to American soldiers on the … Reckless: The Horse That Was a Marine Read More »
Eugene Bullard, First Black Military Pilot
Eugene Bullard was the world’s first black military pilot, but he didn’t fly for his own country. He was born in the United States–Columbus, Georgia–in 1895 and fought for France … Eugene Bullard, First Black Military Pilot Read More »
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On August 5, 1858, the first telegraph line across the Atlantic Ocean was completed, largely through the efforts of American merchant Cyrus West Field. The telegraph was developed in the 1830s by Samuel F. B. Morse, and the first telegram in the U.S. was sent in 1844. In 1854, Cyrus West Field took the invention a step further by developing a way that a cable could be laid on the ocean floor.
Heroes & Trailblazers
Congressman John Lewis Leaves Lessons
John Lewis was a remarkable man, a Congressman from Georgia and a long-time, front-line civil rights leader. His moral leadership will be missed now that…
Gas Station to Gas Empire: Gilmore
In the 1870s, Arthur Gilmore and Julius Carter first met in Southern California where they were both prospecting for gold. As it became clear that…
Eugene Bullard, First Black Military Pilot
Eugene Bullard was the world’s first black military pilot, but he didn’t fly for his own country. He was born in the United States–Columbus, Georgia–in…
Cherry Trees Brought to D.C. By Helen Taft
The cherry blossom trees that bloom so beautifully along the Potomac in Washington, D.C. are a huge and very deserving tourist attraction each spring. The…
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Recent Stories
U.S. War Dogs in the Pacific Theater
Devil Dogs was a term first used by the Germans to describe the U.S. Marines in World War I. They were such fierce fighters at…
Congressman John Lewis Leaves Lessons
John Lewis was a remarkable man, a Congressman from Georgia and a long-time, front-line civil rights leader. His moral leadership will be missed now that…
The Gettysburg Cyclorama: The Movie of Its Day
Most of us love going to the movies. Whether we are there to be entertained, enlightened, or to be exposed to other worlds, we love…
Gas Station to Gas Empire: Gilmore
In the 1870s, Arthur Gilmore and Julius Carter first met in Southern California where they were both prospecting for gold. As it became clear that…
Reckless: The Horse That Was a Marine
One of America’s heroes in the Korean War was a horse that was a Marine. With no rider and no escort, the horse—called Reckless—carried munitions…
Eugene Bullard, First Black Military Pilot
Eugene Bullard was the world’s first black military pilot, but he didn’t fly for his own country. He was born in the United States–Columbus, Georgia–in…
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)