State of Franklin came into being in 1784. Eight counties of then eastern North Carolina seceded from the state and formed their own government that was to be Franklin, the fourteenth state. However, the federal government over time did not recognize the territory, and in 1788 the land returned to North Carolina. Today the counties are part of eastern Tennessee. Children can learn more at: State of Franklin.
Horseshoe Patent
Horseshoe improvement was patented by Oscar E. Brown in 1892. He received patent number 481,271. His horseshoe incorporated an upper shoe and a lower shoe so that the horse experienced less discomfort when the lower shoe needed replacement. Children could view the patent at: Horseshoe Improvement.
Washington Monument and Repairs
East Coast earthquake occurred in 2011. The 5.8 magnitude earthquake was centered in Louisa County, Virginia, but its effects were felt as far north as Quebec and as far south as Atlanta, Georgia. Experts believe one-third of the country’s population experienced the earthquake. No lives were lost, but damages did occur. Washington, DC had significant damage, including the Washington Monument (now reopened) and the National Cathedral. Older children could learn more at: East Coast Earthquake.
Melvin Berger (born Brooklyn, New York, 1927) has written over 200 books for children. His works include Germs Make Me Sick! and Is a Dolphin a Fish?
Edgar Lee Masters (born Garnett, Kansas, 1869; died Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1950) was a writer. One of his most famous works is Spoon River Anthology, which children will find, along with some of his other works, at: Project Gutenberg.
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (born South Kingston, Rhode Island, 1785; died at sea on August 23, 1819) was a naval commander. During the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, he stated, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”