This Month in Colonial History: June

King George III of England, 1762

Time for the June edition of familiar and not-so-familiar colonial events!

1 – The term “Don't give up the ship!” is coined by Captain James Lawrence, U.S. Chesapeake. (1813)

2 – Birth of the Marquis de Sade (1740-1814), whose violence and cruelty led to the term sadism, defined as gratification in inflicting pain. (1740)

2 – First U.S. tour of PT Barnum’s circus. (1835)

4 – King George III (1738-1820) is born. Yes, this was THAT King George.

5 – Birth of Scots economist and philosopher Adam Smith (1723-1790), whose An Enquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (published 1776) deeply influenced modern economic theory.

5 – First sustained hot-air balloon flight, Annonay, France. (1783)

6 – Birth of Nathan Hale (1755-1776), American patriot and spy. “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

7 – The United Colonies changes its name to The United States. (1775)

10 – Dutch colonists settle on Manhattan Island (1610)

Pine Tree Shilling, designed by John Hull

10 – The first mint is opened in America, in defiance of English colonial law, by silversmith John Hull. (1652)

10 – Benjamin Franklin flies a kite in a lightning storm and discovers electricity.  (1752)

13 – Birth of American Army General Winfield Scott (1786-1866) was born in Petersburg, Virginia. Nicknamed "Old Fuss and Feathers" because of his formality, he served in three wars: the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the American Civil War.

14 – The U.S. Army is formed. (1775)

14 – Introduction by John Adams of a resolution before Congress mandating a United States flag, stating, "...that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation." (1777)

15 – George Washington is appointed the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army. (1775)

17 – King John signs the Magna Carta. (1215)

Rubens self portrait, 1623

18 – The U.S. Senate votes in favor of a declaration of war against Great Britain, which is officially proclaimed by President Madison the following day. (1812)

18 – Crushing defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, ending 23 years of warfare between France and the rest of Europe. (1815)

28 – Birth of Flemish painter and diplomat Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). Not only considered the master artist of his day, but also skilled in science and politics and spoke seven languages.

28 – Birth of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778).

My gratitude as always to The History Place and Holiday Insights.