James Cook
James Cook discovered Hawaiian Islands in 1778. He called the islands the Sandwich Islands to honor John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich and one of Cook’s sponsors. Remember that on January 17, 1773, James Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle – Busy man! Children can learn more at: James Cook.
Oliver Pollock created the dollar sign ($) in 1778.
Molly Pitcher
Lithograph
Mary Hays in 1778 carried pitchers of water to American soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth. When her husband, an artilleryman, could no longer load the cannon, Mary took over and swabbed and loaded the cannons. She later became known as Molly Pitcher. Children could learn more at: Molly Pitcher.
Valley Forge Headquarters
Photo by Carol Highsmith
Valley Forge was the site of Washington encampment during the winter of 1777 and 1778. The army of 10,000 soldiers had to make their own huts. Food and clothing were scarce. About one-fourth of the troops died, and a smallpox epidemic made matters worse. The British, on the other hand, had quite nice conditions in Philadelphia. The arrival of Baron von Steuben and his drilling techniques strengthened the army, and they experienced battle success by June. Children could learn more at: Valley Forge. Children could also read the wonderful book The Riddle of Penncroft Farm, by Dorothea Jensen. It portrays the horrors of the Revolutionary War and the conditions of Valley Forge through the eyes of two adolescents.