The Road to 250

In 1776, writer Thomas Paine published a small pamphlet called Common Sense that would have an enormous impact on the American colonies. Written in plain language ordinary people could understand, the pamphlet argued passionately for independence from Britain and spread rapidly throughout the colonies. In this episode of Road to 250, explore the words that helped turn frustration into a movement for revolution.
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While the American colonies moved toward independence, Abigail Adams became an important voice through her letters, ideas, and support of the revolutionary cause. Writing to her husband, John Adams, she discussed politics, liberty, and the future of the new nation while managing family and responsibilities during uncertain times. In this episode of Road to 250, discover the story of the woman whose words helped reflect the hopes and challenges of Revolutionary America.
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During the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, Peter Salem fought alongside colonial militia forces in one of the earliest major battles of the American Revolution. A formerly enslaved man, Salem became remembered for his bravery during the fierce fighting outside Boston as colonial defenders stood against repeated British assaults. In this episode of Road to 250, discover the story of the soldier who stood on the front lines during the opening days of America’s fight for independence.
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In April 1775, tensions between Britain and the American colonies erupted into open conflict at Lexington and Concord. As colonial militia and British soldiers faced one another on village greens and country roads, a single gunshot marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. In this episode of Road to 250, revisit the moment remembered as “The Shot Heard ’Round the World” and the first spark of America’s fight for independence.
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On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith and patriot Paul Revere rode through the Massachusetts countryside warning colonial militias that British troops were advancing toward Lexington and Concord. Traveling through darkness as tension gripped the colonies, Revere became part of one of the most famous moments leading into the American Revolution. In this episode of Road to 250, relive the midnight ride that helped spread the warning before the first shots of revolution were fired.
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In 1775, inside a crowded church in Virginia, Patrick Henry delivered one of the most famous speeches in American history. As tensions with Britain pushed the colonies closer to war, Henry passionately argued that freedom was worth fighting for, ending with the unforgettable words, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” In this episode of Road to 250, experience the speech that helped rally colonists toward revolution and independence.
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On a tense night in April 1775, lanterns were raised inside Boston’s Old North Church to warn colonial militias that British troops were on the move. “One if by land, two if by sea” became one of the most famous signals in American history, helping spread word across the countryside as revolution drew near. In this episode of Road to 250, relive the moment a pair of lanterns helped ignite a nation’s fight for independence.
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In the harsh winter of 1775, bookseller-turned-soldier Henry Knox led an extraordinary mission to haul massive cannons hundreds of miles through snow, frozen rivers, and rugged wilderness from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. The daring journey helped force British troops to evacuate the city and became one of the most remarkable logistical feats of the American Revolution. In this episode of Road to 250, discover the winter expedition that helped move a revolution forward.
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As the American Revolution intensified, the colonies faced a powerful challenge from the British Royal Navy, the world’s dominant naval force. In 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of a small fleet of ships, marking the beginning of what would become the United States Navy. In this episode of Road to 250, explore how a young nation turned to the sea in its fight for independence and began building an American naval tradition.
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Brought to America as an enslaved child, Phillis Wheatley became one of the first published African American poets in colonial history. Through her writing, Wheatley demonstrated remarkable intelligence and talent during a time when opportunities for enslaved people were severely limited. In this episode of Road to 250, discover how her words challenged assumptions and became part of the growing story of ideas, liberty, and expression in early America.
Visit TheRoadto250.com for more American stories, events, podcasts, apparel, gifts, and ways to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.