Did you know? 1800s
09/14/2006 12:46:49 PM EDT
Jan 25, 2005 —
- Federalists favor a strong central government. Thomas Jefferson and the anti-Federalists favor power resting in the states. Jeffersonian Democrats gain popularity in York County in the 19th century because Federalist policies remind residents of the British monarchy.
- The expression "Underground Railroad" may have originated in Pennsylvania. Numerous citizens, often led by the Quakers and aided by black freedmen, helped escaping slaves to freedom in Canada particularly in a period between 1820 and 1850. The expression often is associated with Columbia in Lancaster County, where escaped slaves seemed to disappear until they reached Canada. One route to Columbia started at Havre de Grace, Md., and went through Peach Bottom in York County. Another route extended through Hanover and York. The best-known national Underground Railroad figure, Harriet Tubman, passed through the county on some of her trips.
- The tune of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was an old English drinking song. Americans knew it as a military march and also a political song named "Adams and Liberty." It officially became the national anthem in 1931, although the Army and Navy recognized it as such years before that.
- Since Sunday schools are such a key part of Sunday morning church activities, some might believe that they've been around since the church began centuries ago. But Sunday schools in York County churches, as well as elsewhere, have only operated since the early 19th century.
- The name "Susquehanna Trail" comes into use about 1930 when York County's main north-south road becomes part of a promotion as a route between Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Washington, D.C.
- Newspapers in the 19th and early 20th centuries routinely designate race of individuals in news stories. Today, most newspapers list race only for identification purposes or if it's relevant to the point of the story.
- The York Imperial apple is green or yellow with green stripes. It has a lopsided appearance and tastes mildly acidic to sweet.
- Daguerreotypes are photographs made on a plate of chemically treated metal.
- The Earth encounters the Leonid meteor swarm -- a ring of particles revolving around the sun -- every November. Sound from meteorites exploding when they hit the ground or atmosphere sometimes accompanies their light show.
- The Lyceum movement seeks to make learning available to adults of all economic levels through demonstration, lecture and debate. Often, topics take a scientific spin and prove particularly popular with farmers.
- The American shad spawns in the Susquehanna and other fresh water rivers, migrates to the ocean, where it spends its adult life and returns to its own birthplace to give birth. It takes three to five years at sea for the fish to grow to 20 inches and 4 to 6 pounds.
- Pulaski's Legion, Casimir Pulaski's cavalry command, sought recruits in York for several months in 1779. Pulaski was killed in battle against the British later that year. The Polish count sometimes is called the "Father of the American Cavalry."
- Temperance workers advocated abstinence or moderation in drinking alcoholic beverages. The movement grew in strength in the 19th century. Its crowning accomplishment was the institution of Prohibition. The Women's Christian Temperance Union, known as the WCTU and one of the most vocal temperance organizations, also pushed for women's voting rights. The WCTU advocates alcohol education today.
- Attorney Jeremiah S. Black successfully argued for the winning side in the landmark Supreme Court case "Ex parte Milligan" in 1866. The court unanimously held that military courts cannot supersede civilian courts in time of war. The case stemmed from the trial of anti-war Democrats in an Indiana military court because it lacked confidence in a civilian court to render a fair verdict.
- Civil War regiments are fighting units consisting of 1,000 officers and men, when operating at full strength. Companies consist of 100 men.
- An incandescent lamp produces light and heat when electric 