The Statue of Liberty holds a representation of the Declaration of Independence. It reads "July IV MDCCLXXVI" (or July 4th, 1776); the date the declaration was signed.

Faith Baptist Church

Wellston, Ohio

June 5, 1988

Testify With Simplicity

Nothing tops a clear simple testimony. Jesus said what He

meant and meant what He said. On one occasion His disciples

responded to His teaching by saying, "Now speakest Thou

plainly . . . by this we believe that Thou earnest forth from

God."

Sometimes the use of polysyllables and strange words confuse

the message. Consider the following sent home by a

school to explain its program.

"Our school's cross-graded, multi-ethnic, individualized

learning program is designed to enhance the concept of an

open-ended learning program on the continuum of multiethnic,

academically enriched learning, using the identified

intellectually-gifted child as the agent of his learning.''

One parent responded, "I have a college degree, speak two

foreign languages and four Indian dialects, but I haven't the

faintest idea what you are talking about."

The Lord be praised for the simplicity of the gospel. Let's

make our testimonies clear and plain as we tell others what

God has done for us.

THOMAS B. WELCH, JR.

In 1498 Leonardo Da Vinci completed his most famous

painting-The Last Supper. It was a 30 by 14 foot structure that

took three years to paint. It is valued at millions. But five centuries

and tens of thousands of annual visitors have taken their

toll. So have neglect, abuse, decay, and dampness. Someone

has said, "No matter how abused, the painting has never died."

How much more true of the event it represents. The Lord's

Supper observance, too, has suffered from neglect, abuse and

other negative influences.

Yet today it continues to be a beautiful observance for many,

reminding us of the love of our Saviour who gave His life that

we might have eternal life.

THOMAS B. WELCH, JR.

Oliver Thomas, an attorney and ordained

minister, serves as General Counsel for the

Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs in

Washington, D. C. Pray for him as he lends assistance

to churches and denominational

agencies in legal matters involving religious

liberty and Church-State separation.

BAPTIST BULLETIN SERVICE

LITHO IN U.S.A.

COVER CREDIT: FRED SIEB

6-5-88

I sure hope all of you had as great of a weekend as I did. I took Thurs & Fri off from work, and spent a few days at Bear Lake, Utah with the family. After returning Saturday night for Independence Day, we went to the Freedom Festival's Stadium of Fire in Provo, Utah.

The Stadium of Fire takes place at BYU Cougar Stadium, known as LaVell Edwards Stadium. The place was packed, and holds 50,000 people in the stands. Headlining that night before the fireworks was Carrie Underwood, and not only was she great, but there were a ton of cowboy-boot, hat and short-shorts girls singing right along with her in the stands. I was amazed at the new fashion trend Carrie Underwood has started with that outfit.

Just after the show started at 8 pm, Mother Nature started showing off her stuff, and put up a fantastic sunset, as pictured above and below. Just check out the colors and the sun!

EXIF:

Exposure Program: Aperture Priority

Aperture: f/8.0

Focal Length: 10.5 mm (fisheye)

ISO Speed: 400

Exposures: 5xp bracketed, tonemapped with Photomatix

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Views of the Thomas Nelson house in Yorktown, VA

The first copies of the U.S. Declaration of Independence were printed in Caslon, a font designed by a British typographer.

Image: One of the 25 surviving copies of the original "Dunlap Broadsides" printed by John Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776.

-

Follow Design Facts on Twitter: twitter.com/DesignFacts

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is, by every estimate, the birthplace of the United States. It was within these walls that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It was here that the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. That document is the oldest federal constitution in existence and was framed by a convention of delegates from 12 of the original 13 colonies (Rhode Island did not send a delegate). George Washington presided over the debate which ran from May to September 1787.

Speaker of the Assembly, Andrew Hamilton (1676-1741), oversaw the construction of the Pennsylvania State House, known today as Independence Hall. Master builder Edmund Woolley (1695-1771) drew up the designs for the building. An early member of the Carpenters' Company (see www.flickr.com/photos/greatestpaka/10828354755/ ), Woolley utilized skills that combine today's professions of architecture, engineering and carpentry. At the time it was the most ambitious public building in the thirteen colonies. Construction began in 1732, but parts of the building were still being built when the Pennsylvania Assembly began meeting in the building in 1735. The building was constructed piecemeal and it wasn't until 1753, 21 years after the groundbreaking, before it was completed. It was Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804) that oversaw the final planning and worked to guarantee its completion. Since that time, the building has undergone many restorations, most notably by Greek revival architect John Haviland (1792-1852) in 1830 and, by a committee from the National Park Service in 1950 returning it to its 1776 appearance.

This image is believed to be in the public domain and is from the National Archives. More information may be found below.

Search or Contact the National Archives.

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All images from the National Archives posted on this site should be "unrestricted&quot, according to NARA's information provided below. PLEASE DO NOT ATTRIBUTE IMAGE TO PINGNEWS. You may say "via" pingnews or found through pingnews. You may also thank the "pingnews photo service." Here, we are serving as A FREE PHOTO SERVICE and NOT THE ORIGINATOR/CREATOR of these images NOR the archival location. Any credit should attribute photographer (if known) and the National Archives.

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Public Domain. Suggested credit: National Archives via pingnews. Additional information from source:

ARC Identifier: 596514

Title: Photograph of President William Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton Looking at the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives in Washington, DC , 07/01/1999

Large image (184311 Bytes)

Creator: President (1993-2001 : Clinton). White House Photograph Office. (01/20/1993 - 01/20/2001) ( Most Recent)

Type of Archival Materials:

Photographs and other Graphic Materials

Level of Description:

Item from Collection WJC-WHPO: Photographs of the White House Photograph Office (Clinton Administration), 01/20/1993 - 01/20/2001

Location: William J. Clinton Library (NLWJC), 1200 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201 PHONE: 501-244-2877, FAX: 501-244-2881, EMAIL: clinton.library@nara.gov

Production Date: 07/01/1999

Part of: Series: Photographs Relating to the Clinton Administration, 01/20/1993 - 01/20/2001

Access Restrictions:

Unrestricted

Use Restrictions: Unrestricted

Variant Control Number(s):

Other Identifier: 10063

This is the NARA Internal Exhibit Tracking Number for the Public Vaults exhibit.

Other Identifier: P73866-01

This is the photograph number found on this item.

Copy 1

Copy Status: Preservation-Reproduction-Reference

Storage Facility: William J. Clinton Library (Little Rock, AR)

Media

Media Type: Negative

Index Terms

Subjects Represented in the Archival Material

Washington

Nashville, Tennessee (est. 1806, pop. 1.8MM)

• 19th c. home of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge & Henry Middleton Rutledge, then known as Rose Hill [1970s photo]

• Septima Sexta Middleton (1783-1865) was born at Middleton Place plantation, outside Charleston, SC • her name, derived from Latin, is believed to represent her being the family's sixth daughter & seventh child • some biographies speculate that "Septima (seven) Sexta (six)" was chosen to honor the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence, signed by her father, Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) seven years before her birth

• on 15 Oct. 1799 Septima, aged 16, married lawyer Henry Middleton Rutledge (1775-1844) • like Septima, Henry's father, Edward Rutledge (1749-1800) was a South Carolina signer of the Declaration • bride & groom were first cousins — at the time marriages were often arranged; marriage to a first cousin was a way to keep wealth within the family

• the couple's granddaughter & namesake "Seppie," — Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge Forney (1836-1920) [photo] — was the wife of John H. Forney (1829-1902) [photo], a Confederate Maj. Gen. memorialized by a statue at Vicksburg Battlefield • a son, West Point grad Maj. Arthur Middleton Rutledge (1817-1876), also fought for the Confederacy as commander of Rutledge's Battery • daughter Mary Middleton Rutledge Fogg (1801-1972) was a Nashville civic leader & writer, with 7 books published

• in 1816 Sexta & Henry [photo], choosing to forego the inherent advantages & celebrity enjoyed by members of elite Charleston families, headed west to Tennessee, site of a 73,000 acre Revolutionary War grant they had inherited

• led a caravan that included their 5 children (ages 4-15), 30 slaves, an elegant carriage, a dozen cows, teamsters & 20 wagons carrying food, clothing, furniture & books • traveled a circuitous route through Georgia to elude the perils of an Appalachian Mountain transit • after a 6-week journey they arrived at the Elk River in Franklin County, TN • built their new home & business, the ~50,000 acre Chilhowee Plantation (Place of the Running Deer) —The Tennessean, 04 Jul 1976

• c. 1820 Henry & Septima purchased a 7 yr. old Nashville town house — with about 20 acres of surrounding property— from Joseph Coleman (1795–1848), the city's 1st mayor (1806-09) • the 1-story brick, Federal style structure was located atop what was then College Hill (now Rutledge Hill), overlooking Nashville & the Cumberland River

• the Rutleges expanded the structure with Federal style additions & Septima created a terraced garden with a trellised, rose covered walkway that descended 300' to the river • named the property Rose Hill • for many years the couple split their time between their Nashville home & Chilhowee —Chosen Exile: The Life and Times of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge, American Cultural Pioneer

• Septima established a house rule mandating that only French be spoken on Fridays • on musical evenings Septima played an Italian harp, backing her daughter Mary's vocals • entertainment at Rose Hill also included Sunday afternoon musicales

• the Rutledges hosted notable friends at their city house, including Sam Houston, Rachel & Andrew Jackson and Sarah & James K. Polk • in 1825, a Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, visited Nashville for two days • though he is said to have been lodged by the Rutledges, his two nights in town were actually spent elsewhere —New Study Recounts Life of Rutledge, The Tennessean, 29 Jun, 1980

• the house was nearly destroyed by fire near the end of the Civil War • the rear (oldest) portion of the structure — thought to be the kitchen — survived • purchased by Nashville attorney Edmund Baxter (1838-1910), graduate of nearby University of Nashville • during the Civil War Baxter rose to to the rank of Captain in the Confederate States Army • commanded an artillery battery that fought in major engagements such as Chickamauga, Shiloh & Atlanta

• in the 1880s he restored & expanded the surviving structure & reoriented the entrance — which originally faced Rutledge St. [photo]— toward Lea Ave, creating the present Victorian style mansion • surviving remnants of the original house are at the rear facing Rutledge St —Nashville Scene

• now houses Foundations Recovery Network

• Rutledge family gravesite • Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge inscription

• Rutledge Hill Historic District National Register # 80003793, 1980

Charleston - St. Philip's Church, established in 1680; two signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. We . . . solemnly publish and declare, that these colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states. . . And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, situated in West Potomac Park on the shore of the Tidal Basin of the Potomac River, is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father and the third president of the United States. Officially dedicated on April 13, 1943--the 200th anniversary of Jefferson's birthday, the Jefferson Memorial is one of the last American public monuments in the Beaux-Arts tradition.

The neoclassical building was designed by John Russell Pope, but the cornerstone wasn't laid until November 15, 1939--2 years after his death. Daniel P. Higgins and Otto R. Eggers took over construction, and with Philadelphia contractor John McShain, completed the memorial four years later. Composed of circular marble steps, a portico, a circular colonnade of Ionic order columns, and a shallow dome, the building is open to the elements. Pope's design reflects characteristics of the Roman Pantheon, as well as Jefferson's own design for Monticello and the Rotunda at the University of West Virginia. The memorial was constructed with Danby Imperial marble (Vermont) for the exterior walls and columns, Tennessee pink marble for the interior floor, Georgian white marble for the interior wall panels, and Missouri gray marble for the pedestal. Indiana limestone was used in construction of the ceiling. The cost of construction was slightly more than $3 million.

The 19-foot, 10,000-pound heroic bronze statue of Jefferson, resting on a 6-foot pedestal of black Minnesota granite, by sculptor Rudulph Evans was added to the center of the memorial room in 1947. Evans was chosen from more than 100 who participated in a nationwide competition conducted by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Commission. Adolph A. Weinman's sculpture of the five members of the Declaration of Independence drafting committee submitting their report to Congress is featured on the triangular pediment.

The interior walls are engraved in bronze with passages from Jefferson's writings. Most prominent are the words, taken from from a September 23, 1800, letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, which are inscribed in a frieze below the dome: "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." On the panel of the southwest interior wall are excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. On the panel of the northwest interior wall is an excerpt from "A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom, 1777", except for the the last sentence, which is taken from a letter of August 28, 1789 to James Madison. The quotes from the panel of the northeast interior wall are from multiple sources including "A Summary View of the Rights of British America," Notes on the State of Virginia, Jefferson's autobiography, an August 13, 1790 letter to George Wythe, and a letter of January 4, 1786 to George Washington. The inscription on the panel of the southeast interior wall is redacted and excerpted from a letter July 12, 1816, to Samuel Kercheval.

In 2007, The Jefferson Memorial was ranked #4 on the AIA 150 America's Favorite Architecture list.

National Register #66000029 (1966)

Wongaksa Pagoda is a twelve metre high ten story marble pagoda in the centre of Seoul, South Korea. It was constructed in 1467 to form part of Wongak-sa temple, that King Sejo had founded two years before on the site of an older Goryeo-period temple, Heungbok-sa. The temple was closed and turned into a kisaeng house by the (later deposed) king known as Yeonsan-gun (1476 – 1506, r. 1494-1506), and under his successor, King Jungjong (1488 – 1544, r.1506–1544) the site was turned into government offices. The pagoda and a memorial stele commemorating the foundation of Wongaksa alone survived. The site of the temple was later occupied by houses. During the Imjin War of the 1590s, the top portion of the pagoda was pulled down and lay on the ground at the foot of the pagoda until it was replaced by American military engineers in 1947.

Foreign visitors to Seoul in the late 19th century often went to admire the beautiful pagoda but it was almost inaccessible, hidden in the courtyard of a small house, and in 1897 John McLeavy Brown, the Irish financial advisor to King Gojong, was authorized by the king to turn the area into Seoul's first public park. He called it Pagoda Park, the name it had at the time of the 1919 March 1st Movement. Today the park is known as Tapgol (Pagoda) Park (탑골 공원) and the pagoda stands in a protective glass case. The Korean name literally means "ten storeyed stone pagoda of Wongaksa Temple site."

The pagoda is considered by art historians to be one of the finest examples of Joseon dynasty pagoda art. The pagoda was designated as the second national treasure of Korea on December 12, 1962. From an inscription on the upper part of the pagoda it is known that the pagoda was built in 1467, the thirteenth year of King Sejo's reign.

It is one of the few pagodas made from marble in Korea. Typical Korean pagodas are made from granite, a material abundant on the peninsula. The pedestal supporting the pagoda is three-tiered, and its shape seen from the top looks like a Chinese character, 亞. The first three storeys of the pagoda follow the shape of the base and the next seven storeys are shaped in the form of squares. Dragons, lions, lotus flowers, phoenixes, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the Four Heavenly Kings carved on each storey of the pagoda. The pagoda, while made of stone, is carved to look as if it was made from wood. The pagoda has brackets, pillars, and curved roof shapes that imitate a wooden pagoda design.

The pagoda was clearly modelled on the beautiful Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, which was made during the Goryeo Era. Originally erected in 1348 at Gyeongcheon-sa temple on Mt. Busosan in Gwangdeok-myeon, Gaepung-gun, Gyeonggi-do (near Gaesong, now in North Korea), it was taken to Japan in 1907, returned to Korea in 1918, and is now housed at the National Museum of Korea.

The first detailed description of the pagoda in English, together with a translation of the inscription on the stele, was published in 1915 by the scholarly missionary James Scarth Gale in the Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch's Transactions Vol. VI, part II:1-22 “The Pagoda of Seoul.”

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wongaksa_Pagoda

Tony and I spent time in Connecticut recently (he takes me everywhere). We wanted to tell you what we found out about Roger Sherman, who is buried in Grove Street Cemetery, Yale University Campus, New Haven Connecticut.

Connecticut's Roger Sherman (1721-1793) is the only man to sign all four founding documents of the United States: the Articles of Association (1774), the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Articles of Confederation (1777), and the Constitution of the United States (1787).

During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, he presented the Connecticut Compromise, a proposal that resolved the major differences between the large states and the small states on representation in the national legislature – that each state would have a representative based upon its population, and an equal number of senators. It was this compromise that helped to get all of the states to agree on a constitution, and for this reason, Connecticut is called “the Constitution State.”

Sherman was a lawyer, assemblyman, state senator, judge, Superior Court Justice, and a member of the United States Congress. He was also treasurer of Yale College and professor of religion for many years who engaged in lengthy correspondences with some of the greatest theologians of the time.

His grave is the center of New Haven's 4th of July celebrations.

Tony and I really like this founder of our country. I haven't told him, but I also think he has a "nerdy" name...Roger...Sherman?

- The Peace Hat

Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd United States President. He was also the 2nd United States Vice President, 1st Secretary of State, the 2nd Governor of Virginia, the founder of the University of Virginia, and the author of the Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson was born into a wealthy influential family in Virginia. He would become a lover of books and spend all free time reading and learning. At age 16, he would attend William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Va. Jefferson would become a well known lawyer taking only well known clients. We would also become familiar with drawing up drafts and papers for his cases.

In 1775, Jefferson would be elected to serve as a delegate from Virgina on the 2nd Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pa. Jefferson would soon meet and become friends with Massachusetts delegates John Adams and Samuel Adams, who seemed to be the voices of the Revolution. Congress decided to draft a declaration to let England know that America was declaring their freedom. John Adams helped lead a group of 5 delegates who would decide on how to wright this declaration. Many though Adams should write it but Adams picked Jefferson for his knowledge of drawing up drafts as a lawyer.

Over the next 17 days, Jefferson would right a copy of this declaration. When he presented it to Congress, it was read carefully. Over the next couple days, Congress would make changes to Jefferson's document, and although Jefferson did not like the changes, he thought it was for the greater good and said nothing. Almost a quarter of the writing by Jefferson was removed. On July 4, 1776, the document was ratified and signed by 56 men. The Declaration of Independence was now official and America cut off ties with England.

When Jefferson returned back to Virginia in 1776, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. There, he would set out to change Virginia's system of laws and help reform Virginia from British control to a democratic state. In his 3 years in the House, Jefferson would draft 126 bills which would establish freedom of religion and highlight a higher Judicial system for Virginia. In 1779, Jefferson would be elected as the 2nd Governor of Virginia. There, he would move the capitol from Williamsburg to Richmond. He would also start to develop an idea of higher education for all people in the state of Virginia.

In 1789, George Washington was elected our 1st President of the United States. He would ask Jefferson to take a job on his cabinet. Jefferson became the 1st Secretary of State. Jefferson would try to help Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton come up with ways to pay off the debt caused by the war. Jefferson and Hamilton had different views and ideas and would cause problems that would lead Jefferson to undermine Hamilton on many occasions causing problems with President Washington. Washington almost kicked Jefferson off the cabinet on many occasion... Jefferson, along with James Monroe, were able to form the Democratic-Republican party which would be Jefferson's biggest success on the cabinet. After 3 years, Jefferson stepped down from the cabinet leaving bitterness between him and Washington. The 2 men never spoke again.

In 1796, Jefferson would run for President against long time friend John Adams. Adams would win the election, but Jefferson would become the 2nd Vice President. As Vice President, Jefferson's only job was to see over the Senate, but was not able to contribute in discussions or debates. This would cause problems for Jefferson and Adams because Jefferson did not believe in Adams policies. It would destroy their friendship and they would not be able to reconcile it till later in life.

In 1800, Jefferson would defeat Adams becoming the 3rd President of the United States. While President, Jefferson would double the size of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson would buy New Orleans and the area for change but would not officially become property of the United States until Spain and England quit claiming it in President James Polk's administration. With the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson would hire explorers William Clark and Meriwether Lewis to head west looking for alternate water supplies for shipping goods out west. They were also suppose to map out the area and do scientific research in hopes to start expanding westward. Jefferson was able to open up the west and allow the United States to grow.

After his terms as President were up, Jefferson would retire to his home Monticello, in Charlottesville, Va. Jefferson's library consisted of over 6000 books. After the Library of Congress caught fire burning most of its collection, Jefferson donated his books to start the Library again. In 1825, Jefferson saw his dream come true when he was able to open the University of Virginia. He had finally started a college affordable to all people that can offer knowledge to any person willing to learn.

On July 4, 1826, Jefferson would die at Monticello of pneumonia. It was 50 years to the day that he signed the Declaration of Freedom. Jefferson is buried in the family cemetery on the grounds of Monicello in Charlottesville, Va.

The Charters of Freedom in the Rotunda

Views of the Thomas Nelson house in Yorktown, VA

Artist: John Trumbull, American, 1756-1843

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

(painted 1786–1820)

Oil on canvas, 53 x 78.7 cm (20 7/8 x 31 in.)

Yale University Art Gallery, Trumbull Collection

Public domain

************

“This painting depicts the moment on June 28, 1776, when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress. The document stated the principles for which the Revolutionary War was being fought and which remain fundamental to the nation. Less than a week later, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration was officially adopted. It was later signed on August 2, 1776.

Trumbull later used the image shown here, measuring only 20 x 30 inches, as the basis for a monumental 12 x 18 feet version which today hangs in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.”

—Library of Congress.

*****************

▶ More about the painting:

— Yale University Art Gallery

— Architect of the Capitol.

▶ Text of the Declaration of Independence: National Archives.

*************

Originally posted by IIP Photo Archive. The IIP Photo Archive is maintained by the Bureau of International Information Programs of the United States Department of State and comprises public access photos for use by U.S Missions overseas and other State Department entities.

Declaration of Independence Tour

Views of the Thomas Nelson house in Yorktown, VA

Independence National Historical Park, in Philadelphia, preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation's founding history. The park has been nicknamed "America's most historic square mile" because of its abundance of historic landmarks.

We visited the park in July 1984.

The centerpiece of the park is Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was completed in 1753 as the colonial legislature for the Province of Pennsylvania.

Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted.

"1980's vacation" "1984 vacation" "1980's family vacation" "1984 family vacation" "1980's Pennsylvania" "1984 Pennsylvania" "1980's Pennsylvania vacation" "1984 Pennsylvania vacation" "1980's Philadelphia" "1984 Philadelphia" "Philadelphia vacation" "1980's Philadelphia vacation" "1984 Philadelphia vacation" "1980's Independence National Historical Park" "1984 Independence National Historical Park" "1980's Independence Hall" "1984 Independence Hall"

1859 State Hwy 51, Morris, New York

Known as "Morris Manor" the estate was sold March 22, 1995 outside of the family for the first time by heirs of Gen. Jacob Morris, who was the son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Other Morris heirs continue to this day to own significant adjacent parcels of land.

The 180-acre estate was sold for $390,000 to Manhattan lawyer Michael Cuddy (3-22-1995).

An attempt to auction the property in (via J.P. King Auction Co.) failed to meet Cuddy's minimum in 2005. The highest auction bid generated was $1.2 million.

UPDATE Jan 8, 2015 the estate on 177-acres was listed for sale for $4,500,000. Dropped to $3,950,000 in early 2016. Still on market as of OCT 2016

Thomas Jefferson (designer), construction by unrecorded enslaved craftsmen, Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1770–1806

Learn More on Smarthistory

Thomas Jefferson (designer), construction by unrecorded enslaved craftsmen, Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1770–1806

Learn More on Smarthistory

The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. Proposed to assuage the fears of Anti-Federalists who had opposed Constitutional ratification, these amendments guarantee a number of personal freedoms, limit the government's power in judicial and other proceedings, and reserve some powers to the states and the public. While originally the amendments applied only to the federal government, most of their provisions have since been applied to the states by way of the Fourteenth Amendment, a process known as incorporation.

The amendments were introduced by James Madison to the 1st United States Congress as a series of legislative articles. They were adopted by the House of Representatives on August 21, 1789, formally proposed by joint resolution of Congress on September 25, 1789, and came into effect as Constitutional Amendments on December 15, 1791, through the process of ratification by three-fourths of the states. While twelve amendments were proposed by Congress, only ten were originally ratified by the states. Of the remaining two, one was adopted 203 years later as the Twenty-seventh Amendment, and the other technically remains pending before the states.

The Bill of Rights enumerates freedoms not explicitly indicated in the main body of the Constitution, such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, a free press, and free assembly; the right to keep and bear arms; freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, security in personal effects, and freedom from warrants issued without probable cause; indictment by a grand jury for any capital or "infamous crime"; guarantee of a speedy, public trial with an impartial jury; and prohibition of double jeopardy. In addition, the Bill of Rights reserves for the people any rights not specifically mentioned in the Constitution and reserves all powers not specifically granted to the federal government to the people or the States. The Bill was influenced by George Mason's 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights, the English Bill of Rights 1689, and earlier English political documents such as Magna Carta (1215).

The Bill of Rights had little judicial impact for the first 150 years of its existence, but was the basis for many Supreme Court decisions of the 20th and 21st centuries. One of the first fourteen copies of the Bill of Rights is on public display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

George Washington had fourteen handwritten copies of the Bill of Rights made, one for Congress and one for each of the original thirteen states. The copies for Georgia, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania went missing. The New York copy is thought to have been destroyed in a fire, whereas the Pennsylvania copy was taken by a soldier sometime in April 1865.Two unidentified copies of the missing four (thought to be the Georgia and Maryland copies) survive; one is in the National Archives, and the other is in the New York Public Library. North Carolina's copy was stolen by a Union soldier in April 1865 and returned to North Carolina in 2005 by FBI Special Agent Robert King Wittman.

The National Archives and Records Administration copy of the Bill of Rights is on display in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. The Rotunda itself was constructed in the 1950s and dedicated in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman, who said, "Only as these documents are reflected in the thoughts and acts of Americans, can they remain symbols of power that can move the world. That power is our faith in human liberty".

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry looks at a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence while touring the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 2, 2015, after delivering a speech about the Iranian nuclear deal. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

Our Daily Challenge: Nice Words

I had some words to post but they weren't nice so I did this lame shot. However, they are nice words, the best actually! Too bad our current government chooses to ignore our constitution.

Nashville, Tennessee (est. 1806, pop. 1.8MM)

• 19th c. home of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge & Henry Middleton Rutledge, then known as Rose Hill [1970s photo]

• Septima Sexta Middleton (1783-1865) was born at Middleton Place plantation, outside Charleston, SC • her name, derived from Latin, is believed to represent her being the family's sixth daughter & seventh child • some biographies speculate that "Septima (seven) Sexta (six)" was chosen to honor the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence, signed by her father, Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) seven years before her birth

• on 15 Oct. 1799 Septima, aged 16, married lawyer Henry Middleton Rutledge (1775-1844) • like Septima, Henry's father, Edward Rutledge (1749-1800) was a South Carolina signer of the Declaration • bride & groom were first cousins — at the time marriages were often arranged; marriage to a first cousin was a way to keep wealth within the family

• the couple's granddaughter & namesake "Seppie," — Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge Forney (1836-1920) [photo] — was the wife of John H. Forney (1829-1902) [photo], a Confederate Maj. Gen. memorialized by a statue at Vicksburg Battlefield • a son, West Point grad Maj. Arthur Middleton Rutledge (1817-1876), also fought for the Confederacy as commander of Rutledge's Battery • daughter Mary Middleton Rutledge Fogg (1801-1972) was a Nashville civic leader & writer, with 7 books published

• in 1816 Sexta & Henry [photo], choosing to forego the inherent advantages & celebrity enjoyed by members of elite Charleston families, headed west to Tennessee, site of a 73,000 acre Revolutionary War grant they had inherited

• led a caravan that included their 5 children (ages 4-15), 30 slaves, an elegant carriage, a dozen cows, teamsters & 20 wagons carrying food, clothing, furniture & books • traveled a circuitous route through Georgia to elude the perils of an Appalachian Mountain transit • after a 6-week journey they arrived at the Elk River in Franklin County, TN • built their new home & business, the ~50,000 acre Chilhowee Plantation (Place of the Running Deer) —The Tennessean, 04 Jul 1976

• c. 1820 Henry & Septima purchased a 7 yr. old Nashville town house — with about 20 acres of surrounding property— from Joseph Coleman (1795–1848), the city's 1st mayor (1806-09) • the 1-story brick, Federal style structure was located atop what was then College Hill (now Rutledge Hill), overlooking Nashville & the Cumberland River

• the Rutleges expanded the structure with Federal style additions & Septima created a terraced garden with a trellised, rose covered walkway that descended 300' to the river • named the property Rose Hill • for many years the couple split their time between their Nashville home & Chilhowee —Chosen Exile: The Life and Times of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge, American Cultural Pioneer

• Septima established a house rule mandating that only French be spoken on Fridays • on musical evenings Septima played an Italian harp, backing her daughter Mary's vocals • entertainment at Rose Hill also included Sunday afternoon musicales

• the Rutledges hosted notable friends at their city house, including Sam Houston, Rachel & Andrew Jackson and Sarah & James K. Polk • in 1825, a Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, visited Nashville for two days • though he is said to have been lodged by the Rutledges, his two nights in town were actually spent elsewhere —New Study Recounts Life of Rutledge, The Tennessean, 29 Jun, 1980

• the house was nearly destroyed by fire near the end of the Civil War • the rear (oldest) portion of the structure — thought to be the kitchen — survived • purchased by Nashville attorney Edmund Baxter (1838-1910), graduate of nearby University of Nashville • during the Civil War Baxter rose to to the rank of Captain in the Confederate States Army • commanded an artillery battery that fought in major engagements such as Chickamauga, Shiloh & Atlanta

• in the 1880s he restored & expanded the surviving structure & reoriented the entrance — which originally faced Rutledge St. [photo]— toward Lea Ave, creating the present Victorian style mansion • surviving remnants of the original house are at the rear facing Rutledge St —Nashville Scene

• now houses Foundations Recovery Network

• Rutledge family gravesite • Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge inscription

• Rutledge Hill Historic District National Register # 80003793, 1980

Happy Forth of July

Attendees of the summer Genealogy Camp for Kids at the National Archives explore the Public Vaults as part of a scavenger hunt during the first day of their week-long session at the National Archives in Washington, DC, on July 25, 2016. NARA photo by Brogan Jackson.

Collection: Cornell University Collection of Political Americana, Cornell University Library

Repository: Susan H. Douglas Political Americana Collection, #2214 Rare & Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library, Cornell University

Title: Declaration of Independence, ca. 1876

Political Party: Democratic-Republican

Date Made: ca. 1876

Measurement: Towel: 20.75 x 24 in.; 52.705 x 60.96 cm

Classification: Textiles

Persistent URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1813.001/603p

There are no known U.S. copyright restrictions on this image. The digital file is owned by the Cornell University Library which is making it freely available with the request that, when possible, the Library be credited as its source.

This is a 20' by 30' American Flag flying on a 67' flagpole along Bear Creek.

Views of the Thomas Nelson house in Yorktown, VA

Independence National Historical Park, in Philadelphia, preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation's founding history. The park has been nicknamed "America's most historic square mile" because of its abundance of historic landmarks.

We visited the park in July 1984.

The centerpiece of the park is Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was completed in 1753 as the colonial legislature for the Province of Pennsylvania.

Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted.

As souvenirs, Brent and Bryce each bought a large, heavy key to Independence hall. We walked around the building so they could try their key in each door.

Here is Brent with his key finally in the right door. It was a real key!!

Look at Brent's shirt. At each stop on our vacation up the East Coast, he would buy a button. His shirt got heavier and heavier on the vacation.

Philip Livingston (January 15, 1716 – June 12, 1778), was an American merchant and statesman from New York City. He was a delegate for New York to the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1778, and signed the Declaration of Independence.

Philip attended and graduated from Yale College in 1737. He then settled in New York City and pursued a mercantile career. He became prominent as a merchant, and was elected Alderman in 1754. He was reelected to that office each year until 1763. Also in 1754, he went as a delegate to the Albany Congress. There, he joined delegates from several other colonies to negotiate with Indians and discuss common plans for dealing with the French and Indian War. They also developed a Plan of Union for the Colonies which was, however, rejected by King George.

Livingston became an active promoter of efforts to raise and fund troops for the war, and in 1759 was elected to the Province of New York assembly. He would hold that office until 1769, serving as Speaker in 1768. In October of 1765, he attended the Stamp Act Congress, which produced the first formal protest to the crown as a prelude to the American Revolution. Philip became strongly aligned with the radical block in that Congress. He joined New York City's Committee of Correspondence to continue communication with leaders in the other colonies, and New York City's Committee of Sixty.

When New York established the New York Provincial Congress in 1775, he was the President. They also selected him as one of their delegates to the Continental Congress that year. In the Congress, he strongly supported separation from Great Britain and in 1776 joined other delegates in the Declaration of Independence.

After the adoption of the new New York State Constitution, he was elected to the state Senate in 1777, while continuing in the national congress. He died suddenly while attending the sixth session of Congress in York, Pennsylvania and is buried in the Prospect Hill Cemetery there. Livingston was a Presbyterian, a Mason, and an original promoter of King's College, which became Columbia University.

Prospect Hill Cemetery, York, Pennsylvania.

Although she was not pleased about the fighting going on, Lady Victoria just wanted to look good wearing the fashions of the time period.

NOTE: While the British troops classified the Colonial Army as rebels, terrorists and guerillas, the Colonists called them Freedom Fighters and Patriots. Guess it's just a matter of perspective.

Collection: Cornell University Collection of Political Americana, Cornell University Library

Repository: Susan H. Douglas Political Americana Collection, #2214 Rare & Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library, Cornell University

Title: William Henry Harrison July 4th Commemorative Ribbon, 1840

Political Party: Whig

Election Year: 1840

Date Made: 1840

Measurement: Ribbon: 7 3/4 x 2 1/2 in.; 19.685 x 6.35 cm

Classification: Costume

Persistent URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1813.001/60gp

There are no known U.S. copyright restrictions on this image. The digital file is owned by the Cornell University Library which is making it freely available with the request that, when possible, the Library be credited as its source.

The home of Charles Carroll II of Annapolis (1702-1782). The last living signer of The Declaration of Independence and the only Roman Catholic to sign it.

"The Library 2.0 has been working with the Library of Congress on a Declaration of Independence display that was officially announced and which opened yesterday on Info Island in Second Life. The exhibit includes dioramas, streamed audio, text in the form of larger-than-life documents and SL notecards, information kiosks and even period furniture."

Read about it here, and visit it here.

Walking among larger-than-life photo scans of the documents, listening to them being read aloud, browsing the text, and sitting in the period furniture...there's something special about the immersiveness of this exhibit.

www.catasauqua.org/community-organizations/george-taylor-...

George Taylor was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, ironmaster at Durham Furnace, constructed the first court house in Northampton County at Easton, and a patriot during the Revolutionary war. He arrived in Philadelphia from the British Isles (either England or Ulster, Ireland) in 1736, worked at Warwick Furnace from 1737-1755, before moving to Durham furnace with wife, Anna Savage. He was associated with Durham Furnace until his death in 1881. However during his association with the iron furnace, he practiced law and was appointed an early Justice of the Peace and a representative to the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly from Northampton County. He was also a member of the Continental Congress, and for a short time before his death in 1781, sat on the 12 member Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania formed to govern after the separation from England.

During his time as iron master of Durham Furnace, he committed the production of the furnace to making ammunition for the colonial forces against England at a price that ended up being below cost, and resulted in his losing all his personal wealth. He resided at his elegant home in Catasauqua for only a short time, as his wife passed away just after it was built, and spent most of his time in Easton. He held onto the farm/plantation until his son, who was to inherit it, also passed away.

Replica of the Liberty Bell located inside Knott's Berry Farm's Independence Hall in California. The Knott’s Berry Farm Independence Hall was commissioned by Walter Knott and is an exact replica of the original structure in Philadelphia. It is the nation’s only exact replica of the Philadelphia landmark. The building was dedicated by Walter on July 4, 1966 after two years of research and numerous trips to Philadelphia.

Wongaksa Pagoda is a twelve metre high ten story marble pagoda in the centre of Seoul, South Korea. It was constructed in 1467 to form part of Wongak-sa temple, that King Sejo had founded two years before on the site of an older Goryeo-period temple, Heungbok-sa. The temple was closed and turned into a kisaeng house by the (later deposed) king known as Yeonsan-gun (1476 – 1506, r. 1494-1506), and under his successor, King Jungjong (1488 – 1544, r.1506–1544) the site was turned into government offices. The pagoda and a memorial stele commemorating the foundation of Wongaksa alone survived. The site of the temple was later occupied by houses. During the Imjin War of the 1590s, the top portion of the pagoda was pulled down and lay on the ground at the foot of the pagoda until it was replaced by American military engineers in 1947.

Foreign visitors to Seoul in the late 19th century often went to admire the beautiful pagoda but it was almost inaccessible, hidden in the courtyard of a small house, and in 1897 John McLeavy Brown, the Irish financial advisor to King Gojong, was authorized by the king to turn the area into Seoul's first public park. He called it Pagoda Park, the name it had at the time of the 1919 March 1st Movement. Today the park is known as Tapgol (Pagoda) Park (탑골 공원) and the pagoda stands in a protective glass case. The Korean name literally means "ten storeyed stone pagoda of Wongaksa Temple site."

The pagoda is considered by art historians to be one of the finest examples of Joseon dynasty pagoda art. The pagoda was designated as the second national treasure of Korea on December 12, 1962. From an inscription on the upper part of the pagoda it is known that the pagoda was built in 1467, the thirteenth year of King Sejo's reign.

It is one of the few pagodas made from marble in Korea. Typical Korean pagodas are made from granite, a material abundant on the peninsula. The pedestal supporting the pagoda is three-tiered, and its shape seen from the top looks like a Chinese character, 亞. The first three storeys of the pagoda follow the shape of the base and the next seven storeys are shaped in form of squares. Dragons, lions, lotus flowers, phoenixes, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the Four Heavenly Kings carved on each storey of the pagoda. The pagoda, while made of stone, is carved to look as if it was made from wood. The pagoda has brackets, pillars, and curved roof shapes that imitate a wooden pagoda design.

The pagoda was clearly modelled on the beautiful Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, which was made during the Goryeo Era. Originally erected in 1348 at Gyeongcheon-sa temple on Mt. Busosan in Gwangdeok-myeon, Gaepung-gun, Gyeonggi-do (near Gaesong, now in North Korea), it was taken to Japan in 1907, returned to Korea in 1918, and is now housed at the National Museum of Korea.

The first detailed description of the pagoda in English, together with a translation of the inscription on the stele, was published in 1915 by the scholarly missionary James Scarth Gale in the Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch's Transactions Vol. VI, part II:1-22 “The Pagoda of Seoul.”

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wongaksa_Pagoda

Thomas Jefferson (designer), construction by unrecorded enslaved craftsmen, Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1770–1806

Learn More on Smarthistory

"Signed by order and in behalf of the Congress, John Hancock, President. Attest., Charles Thomson, Secretary."

— Library of Congress.

▶ The first printing of the Declaration of Independence:

John Dunlap, Philadelphia, 1776.

▶ Full text: National Archives.

***************

☞ 2 July 1776

"Delegates at the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia officially separated the 13 American colonies from Britain by approving a motion for independence advanced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. Twelve of the 13 colonies approved it (New York abstained, as its representatives did not have permission to vote for it at that time)."

☞ 4 July 1776

"The actual Declaration of Independence — whose principal author was Thomas Jefferson — was adopted (although not signed) by members of the Continental Congress. Jefferson had been writing it, draft after draft. He was one of the Committee of Five the Continental Congress set up to draft a declaration, with the other four being Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman."

☞ 2 August 1776

"Most of the delegates signed [the Declaration] on Aug. 2. That’s when the assistant to the secretary of Congress, Timothy Matlack, produced a clean copy. John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, signed first, right in the middle of the signature area. The last delegate to sign, according to the National Archives, is believed to be Thomas McKean of Delaware, some time in 1777."

☞ August 1776

"The British government in London didn’t know that the United States had declared independence until August."

— Washington Post.

***************

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▶ For a larger image, type 'L' (without the quotation marks).

— Follow on web: YoursForGoodFermentables.com.

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Nashville, Tennessee (est. 1806, pop. 1.8MM)

• 19th c. home of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge & Henry Middleton Rutledge, then known as Rose Hill [1970s photo]

• Septima Sexta Middleton (1783-1865) was born at Middleton Place plantation, outside Charleston, SC • her name, derived from Latin, is believed to represent her being the family's sixth daughter & seventh child • some biographies speculate that "Septima (seven) Sexta (six)" was chosen to honor the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence, signed by her father, Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) seven years before her birth

• on 15 Oct. 1799 Septima, aged 16, married lawyer Henry Middleton Rutledge (1775-1844) • like Septima, Henry's father, Edward Rutledge (1749-1800) was a South Carolina signer of the Declaration • bride & groom were first cousins — at the time marriages were often arranged; marriage to a first cousin was a way to keep wealth within the family

• the couple's granddaughter & namesake "Seppie," — Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge Forney (1836-1920) [photo] — was the wife of John H. Forney (1829-1902) [photo], a Confederate Maj. Gen. memorialized by a statue at Vicksburg Battlefield • a son, West Point grad Maj. Arthur Middleton Rutledge (1817-1876), also fought for the Confederacy as commander of Rutledge's Battery • daughter Mary Middleton Rutledge Fogg (1801-1972) was a Nashville civic leader & writer, with 7 books published

• in 1816 Sexta & Henry [photo], choosing to forego the inherent advantages & celebrity enjoyed by members of elite Charleston families, headed west to Tennessee, site of a 73,000 acre Revolutionary War grant they had inherited

• led a caravan that included their 5 children (ages 4-15), 30 slaves, an elegant carriage, a dozen cows, teamsters & 20 wagons carrying food, clothing, furniture & books • traveled a circuitous route through Georgia to elude the perils of an Appalachian Mountain transit • after a 6-week journey they arrived at the Elk River in Franklin County, TN • built their new home & business, the ~50,000 acre Chilhowee Plantation (Place of the Running Deer) —The Tennessean, 04 Jul 1976

• c. 1820 Henry & Septima purchased a 7 yr. old Nashville town house — with about 20 acres of surrounding property— from Joseph Coleman (1795–1848), the city's 1st mayor (1806-09) • the 1-story brick, Federal style structure was located atop what was then College Hill (now Rutledge Hill), overlooking Nashville & the Cumberland River

• the Rutleges expanded the structure with Federal style additions & Septima created a terraced garden with a trellised, rose covered walkway that descended 300' to the river • named the property Rose Hill • for many years the couple split their time between their Nashville home & Chilhowee —Chosen Exile: The Life and Times of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge, American Cultural Pioneer

• Septima established a house rule mandating that only French be spoken on Fridays • on musical evenings Septima played an Italian harp, backing her daughter Mary's vocals • entertainment at Rose Hill also included Sunday afternoon musicales

• the Rutledges hosted notable friends at their city house, including Sam Houston, Rachel & Andrew Jackson and Sarah & James K. Polk • in 1825, a Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, visited Nashville for two days • though he is said to have been lodged by the Rutledges, his two nights in town were actually spent elsewhere • New Study Recounts Life of Rutledge, The Tennessean, 29 Jun, 1980

• the house was nearly destroyed by fire near the end of the Civil War • the rear (oldest) portion of the structure — thought to be the kitchen — survived • purchased by Nashville attorney Edmund Baxter (1838-1910), graduate of nearby University of Nashville • during the Civil War Baxter rose to to the rank of Captain in the Confederate States Army • commanded an artillery battery that fought in major engagements such as Chickamauga, Shiloh & Atlanta

• in the 1880s he restored & expanded the surviving structure & reoriented the entrance — which originally faced Rutledge St. [photo]— toward Lea Ave, creating the present Victorian style mansion • surviving remnants of the original house are at the rear facing Rutledge St —Nashville Scene

• now houses Foundations Recovery Network

• Rutledge family gravesite • Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge inscription

• Rutledge Hill Historic District National Register # 80003793, 1980

CUUSOO Project - National Treasure - Chase for the Declaration of Independence (set)

Nashville, Tennessee (est. 1806, pop. 1.8MM)

• 19th c. home of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge & Henry Middleton Rutledge, then known as Rose Hill [1970s photo]

• Septima Sexta Middleton (1783-1865) was born at Middleton Place plantation, outside Charleston, SC • her name, derived from Latin, is believed to represent her being the family's sixth daughter & seventh child • some biographies speculate that "Septima (seven) Sexta (six)" was chosen to honor the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence, signed by her father, Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) seven years before her birth

• on 15 Oct. 1799 Septima, aged 16, married lawyer Henry Middleton Rutledge (1775-1844) • like Septima, Henry's father, Edward Rutledge (1749-1800) was a South Carolina signer of the Declaration • bride & groom were first cousins — at the time marriages were often arranged; marriage to a first cousin was a way to keep wealth within the family

• the couple's granddaughter & namesake "Seppie," — Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge Forney (1836-1920) [photo] — was the wife of John H. Forney (1829-1902) [photo], a Confederate Maj. Gen. memorialized by a statue at Vicksburg Battlefield • a son, West Point grad Maj. Arthur Middleton Rutledge (1817-1876), also fought for the Confederacy as commander of Rutledge's Battery • daughter Mary Middleton Rutledge Fogg (1801-1972) was a Nashville civic leader & writer, with 7 books published

• in 1816 Sexta & Henry [photo], choosing to forego the inherent advantages & celebrity enjoyed by members of elite Charleston families, headed west to Tennessee, site of a 73,000 acre Revolutionary War grant they had inherited

• led a caravan that included their 5 children (ages 4-15), 30 slaves, an elegant carriage, a dozen cows, teamsters & 20 wagons carrying food, clothing, furniture & books • traveled a circuitous route through Georgia to elude the perils of an Appalachian Mountain transit • after a 6-week journey they arrived at the Elk River in Franklin County, TN • built their new home & business, the ~50,000 acre Chilhowee Plantation (Place of the Running Deer) —The Tennessean, 04 Jul 1976

• c. 1820 Henry & Septima purchased a 7 yr. old Nashville town house — with about 20 acres of surrounding property— from Joseph Coleman (1795–1848), the city's 1st mayor (1806-09) • the 1-story brick, Federal style structure was located atop what was then College Hill (now Rutledge Hill), overlooking Nashville & the Cumberland River

• the Rutleges expanded the structure with Federal style additions & Septima created a terraced garden with a trellised, rose covered walkway that descended 300' to the river • named the property Rose Hill • for many years the couple split their time between their Nashville home & Chilhowee —Chosen Exile: The Life and Times of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge, American Cultural Pioneer

• Septima established a house rule mandating that only French be spoken on Fridays • on musical evenings Septima played an Italian harp, backing her daughter Mary's vocals • entertainment at Rose Hill also included Sunday afternoon musicales

• the Rutledges hosted notable friends at their city house, including Sam Houston, Rachel & Andrew Jackson and Sarah & James K. Polk • in 1825, a Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, visited Nashville for two days • though he is said to have been lodged by the Rutledges, his two nights in town were actually spent elsewhere —New Study Recounts Life of Rutledge, The Tennessean, 29 Jun, 1980

• the house was nearly destroyed by fire near the end of the Civil War • the rear (oldest) portion of the structure — thought to be the kitchen — survived • purchased by Nashville attorney Edmund Baxter (1838-1910), graduate of nearby University of Nashville • during the Civil War Baxter rose to to the rank of Captain in the Confederate States Army • commanded an artillery battery that fought in major engagements such as Chickamauga, Shiloh & Atlanta

• in the 1880s he restored & expanded the surviving structure & reoriented the entrance — which originally faced Rutledge St. [photo]— toward Lea Ave, creating the present Victorian style mansion • surviving remnants of the original house are at the rear facing Rutledge St —Nashville Scene

• now houses Foundations Recovery Network

• Rutledge family gravesite • Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge inscription

• Rutledge Hill Historic District National Register # 80003793, 1980

Independence Hall is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, where the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted by America's Founding Fathers.