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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

Chester Nez: Navajo Code Talker & Marine

Chester Nez, a Navajo, was recruited by the Marines in 1942. He was one of 29 Navajos who were brought into the military for the express purpose of creating an … Chester Nez: Navajo Code Talker & Marine Read More »
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Hearing the Election News: A Look Back

In 2020, politicians and news pundits all speculate as to when we might know the results of this year’s presidential election. Many warn that it could be several days at … Hearing the Election News: A Look Back Read More »
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First Latino to Earn Medal of Honor Fought In Civil War

Corporal Joseph H. De Castro, 20, distinguished himself at Gettysburg during Pickett’s Charge. He was the first Latino to earn the country’s highest military decoration for valor in combat, the … First Latino to Earn Medal of Honor Fought In Civil War Read More »
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Abraham Lincoln’s Dog, Fido

In the 1850s, the Lincoln family acquired a yellow mixed-breed dog they named Fido. Fido often accompanied Lincoln to his Springfield law office or around town on errands. Fido also … Abraham Lincoln’s Dog, Fido Read More »
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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 »
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Fannie Farmer: Cookbook Author Who Instituted Exact MeasuringFannie Farmer: Cookbook Author Who Instituted Exact…
Sergeant Stubby, World War I MascotSergeant Stubby, World War I Mascot
White Christmas The Story Behind the SongWhite Christmas The Story Behind the Song
“Kilroy Was Here”-A Story from World War II“Kilroy Was Here”-A Story from World War II

On
This
Day

On December 4, 1956, rock-and-roll history was made at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, when record producer Sam Phillips made a jam-session tape of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins singing gospel. The group’s photo in the newspaper was captioned “Million Dollar Quartet.” Though Phillips had called the newspaper, the tape they made did not surface for twenty years. It was first heard in 1981. By that time, the musicians were legends.

Heroes & Trailblazers

vice president story

The Vice-Presidential Pick

In the presidential election, how important is the vice-presidential pick and the subsequent debate? Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and…
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election day firsts

Election Day Firsts

The history of elections in the United States is constantly evolving, but here are are some notable firsts: First Packaged Candidate William Henry Harrison was…
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vice president story

The Vice-Presidential Pick

In the presidential election, how important is the vice-presidential pick and the subsequent debate? Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and…
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)
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