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

Kate Kelly

  • The Invention of the Jukebox

    A jukebox!  If you walk into a themed restaurant where they have jukeboxes, it’s still a thrill. The thought of choosing some tunes that remind us of our teen years can’t help but bring back fun memories.  But times have changed. We all have phones that carry a multitude of our favorite songs, and personal earbuds let us listen anytime and anywhere to what we want.  Opportunities for communal listening are rare.  When the first…
    Read More The Invention of the Jukebox

  • Winged Warriors of World Wars I and II

    Homing pigeons saved thousands of lives during both World Wars.  Despite amazing technological progress in warfare during the early 20th century, there were times when the military needed to rely on other methods of communication. An estimated 500,000 homing pigeons were used in the first World War. It was an old “technology” for new warfare. Sometimes the front line moved forward faster than the Signal Corps could string new wiring for telephones or telegraphs. At…
    Read More Winged Warriors of World Wars I and II

  • The Enduring Role of Animals in World War I

    World War I marked a turning point in warfare, ushering in an era of large-scale mechanization. Trains, trucks, tanks, cars, and motorcycles were deployed for the war, yet animals remained indispensable. Before the United States entered the war, France and Britain were importing horses, mules, and donkeys from the U.S. But buying and importing animals was both difficult and expensive. Many of the animals became ill during transatlantic transit. When the United States entered the…
    Read More The Enduring Role of Animals in World War I

  • Annie Oakley: Sharpshooter & Remarkable Woman

    Annie Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Mosey. She grew up to be an international celebrity for her marksmanship. As a child, she needed to help hunt for the family and she became a remarkable sharpshooter. Eventually she changed her name to Annie Oakley and toured with traveling shows. Her level of marksmanship was extraordinary. The work required great vision, dexterity, excellent eye-hand coordination, and the ability to function under pressure. What’s more, Oakley did what…
    Read More Annie Oakley: Sharpshooter & Remarkable Woman

On
This
Day

On September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the words to what would become The Star Spangled Banner. He was an attorney, and he had gone out to a British ship just outside Baltimore harbor to negotiate the release of an American prisoner. A land and sea battle broke out while he was with the British, and Key and Dr. Beanes, the soon-to-be-released prisoner, had to remain throughout the fighting. During the battle, the two men worried about the fate of their nation. At daybreak, Key could see the U.S. flag was still flying over Fort McHenry, and his experience was described in the now-famous words of The Star-Spangled Banner: “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” For the full story, click here.

Heroes & Trailblazers

Love what you’re reading?

Skip the noise and get compelling stories about America delivered to your inbox. Mailings arrive about every other week.

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

Who Thought of That?

Recent Stories

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)
Translate »
Scroll to Top