Sweet Potatoes
National Cook a Sweet Potato Day is today. Sweet potatoes originally came from Central America or South America, but today they are important staples around the world. They are high in carbohydrates and fiber. A tuberous root vegetable, a sweet potato is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, and manganese. Sweet potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways, from baking to frying to steaming.
Flag of Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia celebrates Independence Day. Although it became an independent country in 1979, it is still part of the British Commonwealth. According to the CIA World Factbook, Saint Lucia is about 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC. The island, located in the Caribbean Sea, exports bananas and cocoa. About 160,000 inhabitants live on the island, and many of them depend on tourism for income. Castries is the capital. Children could learn more at: Saint Lucia.
Florida became a part of the United States in 1819. The Adams-Onis Treaty, also called the Transcontinental Treaty, the Florida Treaty, and the Florida Purchase Treaty, defined the border between New Spain and the United States. The treaty took effect July 17, 1821. Spain gave the land to the United States if the United States assumed five million dollars of claims of American citizens against Spain. Older children can read the text of the treaty at: Adams-Onis Treaty.