An Independent Country

  • Flatiron Building

    One of the most iconic buildings in New York City, the Flatiron Building was named because of its triangular shape that resembles an old-fashioned cast iron flatiron. The Flatiron Building is a New York City Landmark as well as a National Historic Landmark.   Fun Facts In 1857, Amos Enos…


  • Times Square

    Today Times Square is known for its lighted billboards, theatres, shops, and of course, its New Year’s Eve celebration. But originally, the area was farmed by Dutch settlers who appreciated its access to three streams and the Hudson River.   Fun Facts Times Square is one of the most popular…


  • Paul Revere House

    Built in 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining home in downtown Boston and a National Historic Landmark. It was almost demolished in 1902.   Fun Facts The home was built in 1680. Previously, Cotton Mather’s (Salem Witch Trial) parish home was on the site, but burned in…


  • Trinity Church

    Trinity Church in Boston houses one of the oldest Episcopalian congregations in the area, dating back to 1733.   Fun Facts Construction for Trinity Church began in 1872, after the original church burned down. It was completed in 1877 and is made of granite. Over 4,000 households belong to the…


  • San Miguel Mission

    The San Miguel Mission in San Miguel, California is one of the oldest missions in California. Its main purpose 200 years ago was to teach Catholicism to the Salinans, native people who had lived in the region for many years.   Fun Facts The San Miguel Mission was named for…


  • Monticello

    Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello is one of the most well-known properties in America. On it, Jefferson tested and refined his ideas about science, education, agriculture, and architecture.   Fun Facts Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 in central Virginia. His family was one of the most influential families in Virginia.…


  • Castillo de San Marcos

    Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest stone fortress in the United States. Built in 1672, its name changed three times over the centuries.   Fun Facts Castillo de San Marcos was built to protect the city of St. Augustine, Florida, which was part of the Spanish Empire at the…


  • Palace of the Governors

    When you think of the oldest buildings in America, you might think of New England, but one of the oldest buildings in the country is actually in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Fun Facts The Palace of the Governors was built in 1610 by Pedro de Peralta, the governor of the…


  • Harper Lee

    Harper Lee

    Harper Lee published only two books, To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman, but she is one of America’s most beloved female authors. Fun Facts Harper Lee was born in 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama, the youngest of four children. Her mother was a homemaker, her father, a newspaperman,…


  • Margaret E. Knight

    Margaret E. Knight

    We take common household items like shoelaces, chewing gum, and Velcro for granted, but someone had to invent them. Margaret Knight invented the flat-bottomed paper bag we use for lunches and groceries. Fun Facts Margaret was born in 1838 in Maine. Her father died when she was very young and…