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
Charles David, Jr: Selfless Coast Guard Hero of World War II
- Enlisted in the military as soon as it was clear the U.S. was entering World…
The Invention of the Fire Escape
Fire escapes and fire stairwells remain a vital component of multi-story buildings. Even with all…
First Giant Panda Brought to U.S. by Ruth Harkness
The first giant panda brought to the United States was introduced by Ruth Harkness in…
Trailblazer For Women in Sports: Ina Gittings
Title IX–the law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any programs or activities in…
Curb Cuts: They Have a History!
Curb cuts—the slight slope from a sidewalk to a roadway—are preferred by most people: walkers,…
Mar-a-Lago: The Winter White House
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On November 27, 1863, John Hunt Morgan and several other Confederate cavalrymen broke out of the Ohio state prison and escaped to the South. Morgan became famous for mounting raids on Northern territory. While these raids did not gain land for the South, they did keep Federal troops occupied, which gave the Confederate Army more leeway in their battles. After escape, Morgan returned to Tennessee to continue fighting. He was killed by Yankees in 1864.
Inspirational Women
The Invention of the Fire Escape
Fire escapes and fire stairwells remain a vital component of multi-story buildings. Even with all…
Bridget “Biddy” Mason, Former Slave, Landowner, and Philanthropist
Biddy Mason was one of the first Black landowners in Los Angeles. She was trained…
Trailblazer For Women in Sports: Ina Gittings
Title IX–the law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any programs or activities in…
Sacagawea: Native Americans Tell Her Story
Sacagawea’s story is everywhere. She is part of every book written about Lewis and Clark’s…
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Recent Stories
Charles David, Jr: Selfless Coast Guard Hero of World War II
- Enlisted in the military as soon as it was clear the U.S. was entering World…
The Invention of the Fire Escape
Fire escapes and fire stairwells remain a vital component of multi-story buildings. Even with all…
First Giant Panda Brought to U.S. by Ruth Harkness
The first giant panda brought to the United States was introduced by Ruth Harkness in…
The Collies of Sunnybank
The collies of Sunnybank were one of the best-loved kennels for collie breeding in the…
Comanche: Horse Survivor of Little Bighorn
Comanche was a U.S. cavalry horse who participated in many battles in the West including…
Bridget “Biddy” Mason, Former Slave, Landowner, and Philanthropist
Biddy Mason was one of the first Black landowners in Los Angeles. She was trained…
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)