About Howard Kramer

The period that lasted from the early 17th century to the early 20th century was one of nearly constant warfare between white settlers and Native Americans.  There were approximately one hundred named conflicts, or roughly one every three years.  These wars ranged in scale from small scale skirmishing that ended in days to massive uprisings that lasted for decades.  But they … [Read more...]

The story of African Americans serving in the military is a long and historic one.  African Americans have fought in every American war since the Revolution, with huge numbers fighting for the Union during the Civil War.  Among America’s most storied military units are the Buffalo Soldiers, who served on the frontier and in the Spanish American War, and the Tuskegee Airman, who … [Read more...]

  From Memorial Day at the end of May until Independence Day in early July, America goes flag crazy. Flags both old and new are flown with pride.  Temporary flags on makeshift stands pop up everywhere.  At no time is this more true than on Flag Day, a nearly forgotten holiday that falls roughly halfway between its two much more famous relatives.  Honoring the … [Read more...]

America’s love affair with aviation began immediately after the first Wright brother’s flight in 1903. The fascination with military aviation began during the First World War, which saw America’s first flying aces, such as Eddie Rickenbacker, emerge as national heroes.  It continued into the Second World War, the Cold War, and ultimately into the Space Race.  Now, a century of … [Read more...]

For those who love ships, but hate all those pesky modern conveniences like motors and GPS navigation tools, relics of the golden age of sailing can still be found at ports around the world. The United States boasts many of the best surviving sailing ships of the 18th and 19th centuries, from merchant vessels to whalers to warships, and these can be found in harbors and museums … [Read more...]

Since the outset of World War II, aircraft carriers have formed the backbone of the United States Navy. After 1945, these magnificent engineering wonders completely replaced battleships as the only capital ships constructed for combat.  There are approximately two dozen still afloat, including some in active service and some that have been mothballed.  Five are currently in use … [Read more...]

Between 1895 and 1945, the United States navy commissioned 64 battleships. A number of these have managed to escape Davy Jones’ locker and are now open to visitors.  From America’s oldest surviving battleship in Texas to two of the most famous battleships in Hawaii, here are five of the best battleship museums in the United States: USS Texas Houston, TX (New York class; … [Read more...]

As American cities go, Los Angeles does not immediately jump out as a location particularly famous for its churches and other religious sites.  But there are few places that can match the City of Angels in terms of religious diversity and architecture.  Christian places of worship are of course well represented.  But beyond the churches, which range from centuries old missions … [Read more...]

When it comes to historic religious sites, few places in the United States can rival New York City.  Packed into the city’s five boroughs is one of the largest and most diverse collection of churches, synagogues, temples and other religious sites to be found just about anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.  And no place showcases these architectural masterpieces like Manhattan.  … [Read more...]

The city of St. Augustine in Florida was the site of the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States.  Founded in 1565, it predates the earliest settlements of the English and Dutch in America by almost half a century.  Not surprisingly, St. Augustine is home to some very old and very historic churches.  From America’s first Catholic parish in the 16th … [Read more...]