William L. Marcy (1786-1857) WHO SHE WAS: William Learned Marcy was an influential American statesman who served as a U.S. Senator, the Governor of New York, U.S. Secretary of War, and U.S. Secretary of State. His career spanned several pivotal periods in early U.S. history, during which he was known for his practical politics and
Margaret Bayard Smith (1778-1844) WHO SHE WAS: Margaret Bayard Smith was an acclaimed author, socialite, and a prominent figure in early American society. She was known for her insightful letters and journals which provide a rich account of the political and social life in Washington, D.C., particularly during the formative years of the American republic.
Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) WHO HE WAS: Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. Known as “Old Hickory” for his tough demeanor, he was a military hero who became a symbol of the American frontier and democracy. His presidency marked the rise of the common man and the
Stephen Decatur (1779-1820) WHO HE WAS: Stephen Decatur was a United States naval officer and Commodore known for his heroic actions during the early 19th century, particularly in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. His daring exploits and leadership made him one of the most celebrated naval figures in American history. WHAT HE
John James Audubon (1785-1851) WHO HE WAS: John James Audubon was an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter, celebrated for his detailed illustrations of American birds in their natural habitats. His major work, “The Birds of America,” is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed. WHAT HE SAID: “The world is not given by
George Catlin (1796-1872) WHO HE WAS: George Catlin was an American painter, author, and traveler who became one of the first artists to document the Native American peoples and the Western United States landscape. With a background in law, Catlin turned to painting, driven by a self-assigned mission to preserve the culture of Native Americans
James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851) WHO HE WAS: James Fenimore Cooper was an iconic American writer known for his historical romances of frontier and Native American life. He is best remembered for his five-book Leatherstocking series, including “The Last of the Mohicans,” which vividly depicted the early American frontier and the clashes between Native American cultures
King George III (1738-1820) WHO HE WAS: King George III was the monarch of Great Britain and Ireland during the tumultuous period that included the American Revolution. He is often remembered for his role in the loss of the American colonies and his periods of mental illness, which led to the Regency era during the
John Jay (1745-1829) WHO HE WAS: John Jay was an influential American statesman and a Founding Father of the United States. He co-authored the Federalist Papers, served as the first Chief Justice of the United States, and was the Governor of New York. His diplomatic efforts were crucial to the establishment and early governance of
George Washington (1732-1799) WHO HE WAS: George Washington served as a statesman, a Founding Father, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and notably, as the first President of the United States. His leadership and vision have positioned him as an indelible icon of American history. WHAT HE SAID: “Liberty, when
