#51 December 14-20

December 14th, 1799 — ​​George Washington: A Hero Remembered

On December 14, 1799, the United States lost one of its most defining figures when George Washington died at his Mount Vernon estate at the age of 67. As the nation’s first president and a central leader of the American Revolution, Washington was widely admired for setting the tone of the new republic—especially his decision to step away from power after two presidential terms. News of his death spread quickly, plunging the young country into mourning as citizens reflected on the steady leadership and personal restraint that helped shape the presidency and the nation itself. Fun fact: George Washington is the only U.S. president to be unanimously elected—not once, but twice. Listen to Episode 108: Young George Washington (the story of how George Washington grew up).

December 16th, 1773 — The Boston Tea Party

On December 16, 1773, a group of American colonists staged one of the most famous protests in history—the Boston Tea Party. Upset about heavy taxes and having no say in British government decisions, the colonists decided they’d had enough. Disguised as Native Americans, they boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the water. This bold act of defiance showed Britain that the colonies were serious about standing up for their rights and helped push events toward the American Revolution. Fun fact: Despite the chaos, the colonists were so careful that they replaced a broken ship lock the next day—showing the protest was against the tea, not the ships. Listen to Episode 157: The Story of the Fourth of July (all about how the American colonists declared independence)

December 16th, 1944 — Start of the Battle of the Bulge

On December 16, 1944, during World War II, a surprise attack by German forces began what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. The attack took place in the snowy forests of Belgium and caught many Allied soldiers off guard. Despite freezing temperatures, low supplies, and tough fighting, American troops held their ground. Their determination helped stop the German advance and marked one of the last major battles of the war in Europe, bringing the Allies closer to victory. Fun fact: The battle got its name because the German attack created a large “bulge” in the Allied lines on military maps. Listen to Episode 71: Courage on the Beaches (the story of another incredible battle during World War 2)

December 17th, 1903 — First Powered Flight

On December 17, 1903, history took flight when brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully flew the world’s first powered airplane in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The fragile aircraft, known as the Wright Flyer, stayed in the air for just 12 seconds, but it proved that controlled, powered flight was possible. That short journey changed transportation forever and opened the door to modern aviation, space exploration, and global travel. Fun fact: The Wright brothers’ first flight traveled only 120 feet—shorter than the length of a typical basketball court.