23 Comments
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Wally Firkins's avatar

Thank you again Tara. I totally agree with you regarding historians leaving this skirmish/battle to a footnote. The men and women who fought this battle deserve better.

You and your voice are so important, in my opinion. We should know much more about the Battle of Matsons Ford as well as all such footnotes of history.

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Tara Ross's avatar

Thank you. I appreciate that. :)

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Consent Of The Governed's avatar

The little battles mattered to the participants and echo down through history. In a WWII cartoon by Bill Mauldin, Willy and Joe are dug in, and one says, “The hell this ain’t the most important hole in the world! I’M in it!”

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Tara Ross's avatar

That's funny!

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Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

The families who received condolences from Washington after this battle thought of it every day, for the rest of their lives....

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glenna.p's avatar

Thank you for such an engaging article. Perseverance is definitely a glorious attribute of Wahington, his men and other patriots!

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Mark E Johnson's avatar

Our ancestors went through so much to make our country free! Each and every battle was "a skirmish" that led to the eventual result of that freedom. Celebrate and remember the days, both small and great.

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Laura Pellegrini's avatar

I love the stories you bring to life. Those people who were once here fighting for the life I enjoy today are still very important and I am thankful for each of their contributions. I learn so much every time I read these so thank you!

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Jim's avatar

Exactly Right Laura ✅️ 👏 👌 💯 👍

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Dan Turner's avatar

Good morning, Tara, and Merry Christmas! You mentioned our ancestors who fought. I've been working on that link for years. Many branches of our family were here from mid 1600 to early 1700. My interest piques when these topics pop up. Much thought is spent understanding their determination and the shaping of our Constitution.

Richard Turner, Halifax County, Va., 1763.

The following are the Christian names of the Turners who were soldiers in the Revolutionary War of 1776 according to the Report made by the State Library Board of the State of Virginia in 1912 to the General Assembly of the State, to wit,

Allis, Daniel, Daniel, David, Elkanah, Elkanah, Ellis, Francis, George, George, Henry, Isham, James, Jesse, Jo, John. John, Joseph, Madox, Meredith, Richard, Samuel, Smith, Stephen, Thomas, Thomas, William, and Zachariah, (Prince George County.).

Remind me to share the story of the trek to settle our farmland in 1822 in Washington Co. Indiana. Micajah Callaway was leading the trek. Good book on Micajah, Tomahawks and Treaties.

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Tara Ross's avatar

I'm not surprised to hear that this is taking a long time, but what fun discoveries!

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Frank Canzolino's avatar

Do they still teach about the Revolution, the Founders and the Framers in schools? I did not know that…

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Tara Ross's avatar

Sad, right?

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Karen Scofield's avatar

I absolutely love the way you write History like a rich story, Tara, Thank You and will reStack ASAP 💯👍❄️🎄⛄

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Tara Ross's avatar

Thank you! ❤❤

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John Sayre's avatar

Thank you for sharing the lesser known history.

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Jack Miller's avatar

The battles are all important. Each played a part in the end result.

This quote "Indeed, perseverance and determination are the characteristics that have made America great—right from the beginning!" say it all about the nation I love. We have to get this spirit back to survive the future.

Thanks Tara. I love these lessons.

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Tv's avatar

🇺🇸 Thanks, TR, For sharing the history we have forgotten or revised.

Even the major events seem not to be taught anymore. 😔

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Sika57's avatar

Great insight about all the battles fought for our freedoms! Please give us more stories about these skirmishes and the men who fought in them. Thanks Tara!!!

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Patty's avatar

It’s true small skirmishes aren’t thought on the whole to be so important, but there’s no doubt they all played an vital role in the end result after the big battles. The determination and perseverance of Washington and all who fought with him proved that even the smaller battles made a difference. Not every battle was won, but the war eventually ended the conflict in victory. Yes, Tara, they should be much more than a footnote. Love your take on history. It would be fantastic if all history teachers taught history the way you do. You make it so interesting in such a way that brings it alive and makes it meaningful to us today. Thank you!

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John Luce's avatar

Well stated - as every small battle contributed to the outcome, even in defeat- and as for those dying in one that seems insignificant, in lieu of another larger one of greater fame - it made no difference to them or their loved ones.

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James M Airesman's avatar

Thank you, Tara.

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