American Literature on the Web

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Image, "Ralph Waldo Emerson"
Annotation

Provides thousands of links to information on and texts by more than 300 American writers from 1620 to the present. Users can search in five chronological periods for links to timelines, author's sites, related resources, music and visual arts, and "social contexts." Also contains specific categories for electronic text collections, U.S. History, American Studies, poetry, movements and genres, Southern literature, women writers, literary theory, reference works, and "minority literature/multi-cultural resources," including categories for African-American, Asian-American, Jewish-American, and Latino/Latina writers. Authors represented include famous literary figures such as Louisa May Alcott (1832-88), Anna Bradstreet (ca. 1612-72), Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950), Emily Dickinson (1830-86), and Ralph Ellison (1914-94); important public figures, such as William Byrd (1674-1744) and Frederick Douglass (1818-95); and lesser-known figures, such as John Woolman (1720-72) and Amelia Edith Barr (1831-1919).

Offers images of many writers, links in Japanese, a section devoted to Canadian authors, a master list of authors in alphabetical order, and "two site-specific search engines" for word searches of this site and others. Last updated in December 2001, many links are no longer operable; however, as a gateway, it offers an abundance of usable links in a well-designed format for those needing resources on American writers and their times.

Old Constitution House State Historic Site [VT]

Description

The Old Constitution House State Historic Site commemorates the 1777 signing of the Vermont constitution.The Vermont constitution was far reaching—the first to prohibit slavery, establish universal voting rights for all males, and authorize a public school system. This document guided the Republic for 14 years until 1791, when Vermont was admitted to the Union as the 14th state. An exhibit recounts the writing of the most progressive constitution of its time, and examines its effect on the politics of the nation. The site includes the tavern where the document was originally adopted.

The site offers period rooms and an exhibit.

Fort King George Historic Site [GA]

Description

Fort King George is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia's coast. The fort was in operation from 1721 until 1736, when it was abandoned. Later, in the 19th century, the location was used as a major export center for lumber. Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed Fort King George, as well as three sawmills and tabby ruins which showcase the history of the location as a lumber exporter. The site is also home to a museum.

The fort offers visitors guided tours, interpretive events, a brief historical film, and a variety of exhibits and special events. The website offers a link to the Georgia Teacher's Resource for Touring Historic Sites, specific lesson plans for touring Fort King George, a brief history of the fort, a 15-photo photograph gallery, an event calendar, and visitor information.

Ramsey Historical Association [NJ]

Description

The Ramsey Historical Association seeks to preserve and share the history of the Borough of Ramsey, New Jersey. The association operates the Old Stone House, a historic photo display, and a sign on historical transportation. The Old Stone House was built as a Dutch colonial farmhouse in the 1700s. Rubble stone, clay mortar, chopped straw, and hog's hair were used in its construction. It later served as a stagecoach stop, with a barn across the street for the changing of horses.

The association offers a research library and tours of the Old Stone House.

Fort Loudoun State Historical Area (TN)

Description

During the French and Indian War (1754–1763), the British colony of South Carolina felt threatened by French activities in the Mississippi Valley. To counter this threat, the colony sent the Independent Company of South Carolina to construct and garrison what became Fort Loudoun. This move helped to ally the Overhill Cherokee Nation in the fight against the French and guaranteed the trade would continue between the Cherokee and South Carolina. In the course of the fort's four-year existence, relations between South Carolina and the Cherokee Nation broke down. In August, 1760, the Cherokee captured Fort Loudoun and its garrison.

Today, the fort offers tours and occasional living history events.

Contemporary Supreme Court Approaches to Constitutional Interpretation, Part Two

Description

Professor Ralph A. Rossum examines the ways in which recent and current U.S. Supreme Court Justices interpret or seek to interpret their duties and the founding documents of the U.S. He looks at what precedents and interpretations of the Founders' intent are incorporated in contemporary justices' thought.

This lecture continues from Contemporary Supreme Court Approaches to Constitutional Interpretation, Part One.

The Articles of Confederation Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/11/2008 - 18:14
Description

This mini documentary, produced by NBC, describes the Articles of Confederation, which suited the goals of the Americans when they were fighting for freedom from the monarchy. These documents, which favored state's rights over federal power, were inadequate after the Revolution when a strong central government became necessary.

To view the documentary, follow the link below and scroll down past "Thomas Paine and 'Common Sense'" and "Women in the American Revolution."

A Brilliant Solution: Inventing the American Constitution

Description

What political traditions did the Framers draw upon as they wrote the Constitution and what innovations did they introduce into the political life of the nation?

Dr. Carol Berkin of Baruch College speaks on the crisis the delegates to the Constitutional Convention believed their new nation was facing, the personalities and backgrounds of these delegates, and the main issues and ideals that shaped the Constitution these men created.

Patriots, Revolution, and Constitutions

Description

Patrick Manning, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of World History at the University of Pittsburgh seeks to widen Constitutional understanding by situating the Constitution's foundation in a global context. He urges listeners to consider social movements from around the world in the quest to understand ways in which the U.S. Constitution was both unique and representative of the era.

To listen to this lecture, select "Lecture Audio: Patriots, Revolution and Constitutions Presentation" under "Presentation Materials."

Constitutional Convention I: Debating the Virginia Plan

Description

Professor Gordon Lloyd looks at the Constitutional Convention and the debate over what form the new government and its constitution should take. He examines the Virginia Plan, the revised Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Hamilton Proposal.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session four, and select the RealAudio text or image in the gray bar to the left of the main body text.