Kenneth C. Davis's Blog, page 121

Highlights in the History of a "Christian Nation"

In a recent Fox News colloquy, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin explained America's religious traditions to Bill O'Reilly. Discussing the National Day of Prayer in May 2010, both underscored their belief that America is a "Christian Nation," founded upon Judeo-Christian principles and the Ten Commandments. Speaking of the Founders and the nation's founding documents, Palin told O'Reilly,

"They're quite clear — that we would create law based on the God of the Bible and the Ten...

DKMA Minute #18 The Bible Riots

The Bible Riots of 1844 (DKMA Minute #18)

In May 1844, Philadelphia –the City of Brotherly Love– was torn apart by a series of bloody riots. Known as the "Bible Riots," they grew out of the vicious anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment that was so widespread in 19th century America. Families were burned out of their homes. Churches were destroyed. And more than two dozen people died in one of the worst urban riots in American History.

The story of the "Bible Riots" is another untold tale that I explore in my new book (on sale...

The Founding Immigrants (Revisited)

-A politician claims that he can tell immigrants "by their shoes."

-A candidate for Governor of Alabama proclaims that in his state, "We speak English."

-Arizona passes an immigration law that one critic calls "appalling."

These are but a few of the blowups in the firestorm over immigration ignited by Arizona's recent legislation. That law prompted Linda Greenhouse, the eminent, longtime New York Times Supreme Court correspondent, to call Arizona "a police state."

All of this reminds me that...

More than Dots and Dashes

On this date, April 27 in 1791, Samuel F.B. Morse was born. If you remember your grade-school history –or you were a Boy Scout who learned "Morse Code"– his name is still familiar. He is credited with developing the telegraph and the dots and dashes code that bears his name..

But there is something else about Morse that your schoolbooks probably left out. He wrote vitriolic anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant essays, published by his brother's New York newspaper. Morse even ran for Mayor of New ...

DKMA Minute #17 William Weatherford: An American "Braveheart"

Do you know the name William Weatherford? You should. He was a charismatic leader of his people who wanted freedom and to protect his land. Just like "Braveheart," or William Wallace of Mel Gibson fame.

Only William Weatherford, also known as Red Eagle, wasn't fighting a cruel King. He was at war with the United States government.

William Weatherford's story is one of six pieces of Hidden History I recount in my new book, A NATION RISING

Here is a link to my page about A NATION RISING coming o...

William Weatherford: An American "Braveheart"

Do you know the name William Weatherford? You should. He was a charismatic leader of his people who wanted freedom and to protect his land. Just like "Braveheart," or William Wallace of Mel Gibson fame.

Only William Weatherford, also known as Red Eagle, wasn't fighting a cruel King. He was at war with the United States government.

I tell his story in my new book A NATION RISING

Booklist (May 2010)

Davis is a widely read author and a contributor to National Public Radio. He has made a career out...

Patriots' Day: It's Not About the Marathon

As we reach another Patriots' Day, the day that commemorates the beginning of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, I have been watching the so-called "Tea Party" movement with interest. This movement claims some connection to the original patriots in Boston whose protest of a "tea tax" ultimately led to the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord. So here's a little refresher about some of the hidden history of this most important day in American History.

"Listen my children, and...

The Day Baseball –and America– Changed

The words "sports hero" get thrown around a lot in America. But today is a day to celebrate a real sports hero, Jackie Robinson. Even if you hate baseball!

If you come down to Ebbets Field today, you won't have any trouble recognizing me. My number's forty-two.

–Jackie Robinson to his wife, April 15, 1947:

When Jackie Robinson (1919–72) said that to his wife, it was on the day he became the first black man to play modern major league baseball. Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers that year and w...

DKMA Minute #16: A Nation Rising: A Video Q&A with Author Kenneth C. Davis

With the publication of A NATION RISING (Smithsonian/HarperCollins) on May 11th, bestselling author Kenneth C. Davis answers some questions about his career and new book.

JUST IN: Advance Praise for A NATION RISING:

Davis is a fine writer who uses a fast-moving narrative to tell these stories well.

–Jay Freeman, Booklist (May)

Advance Praise for A NATION RISING–

"With his special gift for revealing the significance of neglected historical characters, Kenneth Davis creates a multilayered...