George Armstrong Custer (born New Rumley, Ohio, 1839; died Little Bighorn, Montana Territory, June 25, 1876) was an army officer. He became famous during the Civil War for being fearless. After the war, he joined a regiment fighting the Indians in Montana Territory. On June 25, 1876, he found an Indian village that he thought housed about one thousand warriors. However, the number of warriors probably exceeded two thousand. Custer and about 210 soldiers attacked immediately. Every soldier was killed, and the battle became known as “Custer’s Last Stand.” Children could read Dennis Brindell Fradin’s book, Custer’s Last Stand (Turning Points In U. S. History).
Walt Disney
Walt(er Elias) Disney (born Chicago, Illinois, 1901; died Los Angeles, California, December 15, 1966) was a cartoonist and empire builder. He invented Mickey Mouse and all the animal’s friends. Disney produced a number of animated movies, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Bambi (1942). He also produced live action movies and television programs. Disneyland opened in 1955, and Disney World began operations in 1971. Children could have a Disney Day. They could wear Disney shirts and share Disney books.
Bill Pickett (born Jenks-Branch, Texas, 1870; died Ponca City, Oklahoma, April 2, 1932) was an African American cowboy and rodeo star. Children can read more about his life at: Bill Pickett.
Christina Georgina Rossetti (born London, England, 1830; died London, England, December 29, 1894) was a poet. One of her most well known collections appropriate for children is Goblin Market and Other Poems, published in 1872. Children can read her works at: Project Gutenberg.
Martin Van Buren (born Kinderhook, New York, 1782; died Kinderhook, New York, July 24, 1862) was the eighth president (1837-1841) of the United States. The first president not to live during the Revolutionary War, he was nicknamed “The Little Magician.” He was a lawyer and Andrew Jackson’s vice president before he was elected president. Van Buren’s presidency had quite a few conflicts. The North disliked his views regarding slavery, and the South was not happy when he would not annex Texas. The Panic of 1837 caused a severe depression nation-wide. Children could visit a website at: Martin Van Buren.
Hugh Williamson (born Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1735; died New York, New York, May 22, 1819) represented North Carolina at the Continental Congress and at the Constitutional Convention. During his lifetime he was a minister, physician, scientist, and lawmaker. From 1789 to 1793 he represented North Carolina in the House of Representatives. Older children could learn more at: Hugh Williamson.