fbpx

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

The Story Behind the Presidential Debates

The history of modern-day presidential debates is actually quite a short one. While the names Lincoln and Douglas frequently come to mind when one thinks of a debate among esteemed … The Story Behind the Presidential Debates Read More »
Read More

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 »
Read More

Gideon Sundback’s Invention of the Zipper

Gideon Sundback is credited with inventing the first zipper, but he was not the first to patent the device.  Sundback, however, created the first zipper to work well, and he … Gideon Sundback’s Invention of the Zipper Read More »
Read More
ace pilot Pete Fernandez

Ace Pilot Pete Fernandez: Korean War

Ace pilot Pete Fernandez was one of the top fighter pilots in the Korean War, but he almost didn’t see combat. He was so valuable to the military as a … Ace Pilot Pete Fernandez: Korean War Read More »
Read More
Dog Jack, Mascot and Volunteer for the UnionDog Jack, Mascot and Volunteer for the Union
Alice Coachman (1923-2014): First African American Woman to Win an Olympic Gold MedalAlice Coachman (1923-2014): First African American…
Abraham Lincoln's Dog, FidoAbraham Lincoln’s Dog, Fido
Marshall Major Taylor: Champion CyclistMarshall Major Taylor: Champion Cyclist

On
This
Day

On September 27, 1940, the Axis powers were formed when Germany, Italy, and Japan become allies with the signing of the Tripartite Pact in Berlin. The Pact provided for mutual assistance should any of the signatories suffer attack by any nation not already involved in the war. This formalizing of the alliance was aimed directly at “neutral” America–designed to force the United States to think twice before venturing in on the side of the Allies.

Heroes & Trailblazers

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…
Read More

Love what you’re reading?

Skip the noise and get compelling stories about America delivered to your inbox. Choose your topical interests and sign up. It’s that easy.

Recent Stories

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…
Read More

Shep, The Turnpike Dog

Stray dogs have always been attracted to construction sites. This was certainly true in Colorado in the late 1940s when a new road was begun…
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)
Scroll to Top