Statue of Pocahontas at Jamestown
Jamestown, Virginia, became the first permanent English colony in America in 1607. Three ships, the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery brought Captain John Smith and others to American shores. The ill-prepared colonists had left England on December 20, 1606. Children could learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/jame/index.htm.
Historical Marker Camel Corps in Indianola, Texas
Thirty-four camels landed in Indianola, Texas, in 1856! After the United States won the Mexican-American War in 1846, the country acquired large land holdings in what is now Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The American army wanted to map the region and establish forts in the new lands. Horses and mules could not easily withstand the high temperatures, lack of consistent water, and rough terrain. The army decided to try camels as beasts of burden. The camels marched from Indianola to base camp at Camp Verde, Texas. Eventually another 41 camels arrived. The camels were well-suited to the terrain and climate; the Camel Corps trekked all the way to the Pacific Ocean and back. Unfortunately, the Civil War disrupted the region, and the camel experiment ended.
Sheet Music for The Stars and Stripes Forever
John Philip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever was performed for the first time. Philadelphia hosted the 1897 event when a statue of George Washington was dedicated. Children can learn more at: Sousa. Children could hear the march at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7XWhyvIpE.
Flag of Israel
Israel celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut, the day it became a nation, in 1948. However, because the Jewish calendar is lunar, the day Israel celebrates its founding varies from year to year. Israel’s area is roughly the area of New Jersey. The country is home to 8.8 million people, and Jerusalem is the capital and largest city. It exports packaged medicines, medical equipment, and integrated circuits. Children can learn more at: Israel.
North Cape, Norway, receives twenty-four hours of sun a day from this day until July 30. Idea: Children could brainstorm a list of advantages and disadvantages of so much sunlight.
Virginia Company left England in 1606 to establish the first colony, Jamestown, in America. Three ships, the Godspeed, the Discovery, and the Susan Constant carried approximately 120 people to their new land. The ships landed May 14, 1607. Older children could read an excellent book, Blood on the River: Jamestown, 1607, by Eliza Carbone. Children could learn more at the National Parks Site: Jamestown.