Slavery is a stain on humanity. The history of the American enterprise has to reconcile with this horrible atrocity just as much as any other nation. Despite being one of the first nations to abolish slavery, even some of America's most beloved figures held onto the vestiges of the horrors of slavery long after many care to admit. This uncomfortable truth must be dealt with, though, to truly understand our past in order to move on from it.

Valley Forge is often remembered for its iconic images of weary soldiers and the resolve of George Washington. However, this pivotal winter encampment in 1777–78 was not just a tale of endurance; it was also a groundbreaking moment in public health history. Amidst the harsh conditions, Washington made a daring decision to inoculate his troops against smallpox, a silent but deadly threat that had already taken its toll on the Continental Army.

Independence Hall is the location for where America's founding fathers developed and eventually ratified both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Something few people realize is that the amendment process built into our Constitution is one of the most novel and valuable components of the entire document as it pertains to the future of governing the nation.