5 Things I Learned About 1776

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Researching For Liberty and Love for our new Petticoats and Patriots Series transported me to the bustling streets of Philadelphia during the summer of 1776.

While I expected to uncover fascinating details about spies, patriots, and the fight for independence, I also stumbled across plenty of surprising little facts that brought that period of our history to life.

Here are five things that I learned while researching the story.

1. Many People Thought Tomatoes Were Poisonous

Can you imagine looking at a tomato and thinking, Absolutely not. That thing might kill me.

In 1776, many colonists avoided tomatoes because they believed them to be dangerous. Part of the fear came from wealthy Europeans who ate from pewter plates containing lead. The acid from tomatoes would leach lead from the plates, causing illness. Naturally, the tomatoes got blamed instead of the dishes.

So while modern kitchens are filled with tomato-based recipes, Lucy Carlson and Branch Barton (the main characters in my story) would likely never have a fresh sun-ripened tomato in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War.

2. Philadelphia in July Was Hot, Humid, and Miserable

When we picture the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s easy to imagine a grand and noble moment with patriotic music soaring in the background.

The reality? The summer of 1776 was oppressively hot.

Philadelphia streets were crowded, dusty, muddy, noisy, and filled with unpleasant smells from horses, refuse, and open gutters. The delegates meeting in the Pennsylvania State House endured the sticky July heat in layers of wool clothing, stockings, waistcoats, and coats.

John Adams, one of the delegates, frequently wrote to his wife, Abigail, complaining about Philadelphia’s “melting heats” and “fierce dog days.” He described the weather as exhausting and expressed profound dread over surviving the summer humidity while debating the Declaration of Independence.

“When the Weather is so extream, the Fatigue of even holding a Pen to write a Letter, is distressing,” Adams wrote.

As I wrote  For Liberty and Love, I could feel that oppressive heat and wrinkled my nose at the thoughts of the odors it would have created in America’s largest city.

3. The Bells Truly Rang on July 8, 1776

One of my favorite discoveries involved the public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Although Congress approved the Declaration on July 4, it wasn’t publicly read anywhere until July 8 in Philadelphia.

On that day, Colonel John Nixon stood in the yard (either on the steps or possibly a wooden platform) of the Pennsylvania State House and read the Declaration aloud to gathered crowds.

Bells began ringing to let people know to come to the State House. The reading was at noon. City and church bells “joyously tolled for most of the day and continued well into the night in celebration.”

I like to close my eyes and imagine hearing those bells echoing through the streets while realizing the colonies had officially declared independence from Britain. What a thrilling, terrifying, and unforgettable day that must have been.

4. Men’s Clothing Had Buttons Everywhere—Women’s Rarely Did

This detail fascinated me because it says so much about daily life in 1776.

Men’s clothing often featured rows and rows of buttons. Coats, waistcoats, breeches, and shirts all relied heavily on them—not just for function, but for fashion and status.

Women’s gowns, however, usually pinned closed or laced rather than buttoned. Buttons were expensive and time-consuming to make, and women’s clothing construction worked differently than men’s tailored garments.

I can’t imagine having to pin my clothes together every day. With my luck, I’d turn into a human pincushion!

5. There’s Surprisingly Little Information About Martha Washington During the Summer of 1776

Since Martha Washington plays a small but important role in  For Liberty and Love, I spent quite a bit of time researching her movements during that summer, wanting to be sure she would be in Philadelphia in July.

I was shocked to discover there really is little information about Martha’s whereabouts that summer, other than to say she was likely in Philadelphia from the end of June until some time in August. Also, I couldn’t believe how few images there were of her from her younger years. This image of a younger Martha is one I used for inspiration of her character in my story.

We know far more about George Washington’s military activities than Martha’s daily life, thoughts, or experiences. Women’s stories were often poorly documented during the Revolutionary era, even when those women played important roles behind the scenes.

It makes it even more important to me, as a writer,  to include in my stories courageous women whose contributions to history are sometimes overlooked . I’m pretty sure Lucy (and Martha!) would approve!

 

She never intended to become a spy … or fall for one.

Philadelphia, 1776

As whispers of revolution turn swell into a roar for freedom, Lucy Carlson is no longer content to simply watch from behind the counter of her father’s jewelry shop. When a mysterious woman—none other than Martha Washington—leaves behind a locket, Lucy discovers the piece is more than a pretty keepsake. The necklace is a secret vessel for the revolution that carries the promise of love.

Drawn into a dangerous spy ring, Lucy begins crafting coded messages concealed within the locket’s clever design, living a secret double life and risking everything she holds dear in a time of sacrifice and war.

Continental soldier Branch Barton is a man defined by duty. Tasked with rooting out traitors, he moves through the shadowed world of deception and divided loyalties. He’s trained to trust no one, yet he finds himself drawn into a slow-burning connection with the jeweler’s spirited daughter.

But when Lucy begins to suspect Branch may be a Redcoat in disguise, their fragile bond is tested by mistaken identity, growing mistrust, and the threat of betrayal.

In a war where even allies can become enemies, Lucy and Branch must navigate a world of hidden truths and guarded hearts. With the fate of the colonies—and their hearts—hanging in the balance as Lucy delivers a message in enemy territory, will they find the courage to trust each other and choose love?

Have you learned any interesting, odd, fun, or memorable facts recently?

Post your answer for a chance to win a mystery prize!

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After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky western heroes.
When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

70 thoughts on “5 Things I Learned About 1776”

  1. I love Philadelphia–we went there on school field trips many times to visit the sites.

    I was reading about Emily Dickinson, and I learned her poems were bundled into *fascicles* when her sister found them after her death.

  2. Being a lover of early American history, I am really looking forward to this entire series. An interesting tidbit: one of my ancestors was serving in the war and was based at the edge of Lake Champlain when he received word that he was needed at home on a temporary basis, so he appealed to his superiors. His request was denied, so he waited until after dark, when he slipped down to the edge of the lake an climbed into a small boat. The camp dogs started barking so the guards ran out and told him to stop, come back. He hollered back, “I’sa comin’, I’sa comin'”, all the while, rowing just as hard as he could across the lake. When he finished his business, he rowed back across the lake and resumed his duties as a soldier!

  4. I always seen to learn something new witj whatever I read. Today’s article was very informative.

  5. Good morning Shanna! Tomato’s getting a bad wrap! Who would have thought! Enjoyed this information! And I also can’t wait to read this series! My husband and I watch a lot of documentaries at night. Last night was about George Washington.

    Something I didn’t know was crows will eat ground moles. My husband was watching nature out our front garden window one day last week. I was in the living room. I asked what was he doing? And he said,”I’m watching National Geographic live.” LOL our neighbor’s cat was trying to get the ground mole digging up our yard, but the crows kept after the cat! My husband said,”I thought cats ate birds?” LOL I googled the crows. And there it was! Crows are interesting creatures! Now that my husband is retired(he retired from power line work in January) He has even showed me a hawk talking to a squirrel on the fence! LOL If I hadn’t seen it myself, I wouldn’t have believed it!

    Many blessings Shanna and best wishes on your book(s) in this series!

    • I love that you and your husband get to watch “National Geographic” live out at home. So interesting about crows! I didn’t know that!
      Blessings to you, my friend! I hope you’ll love the series! Happy May to you!

  6. I subscribe to a few quizzes from which I learn a lot of intriguing topics. Today I learned American Express was founded by Wells and Fargo, two men with those last names. Also, Mr. Butterfield was involved in this venture. Everyday is another chance to learn something new, (or old in this case.).

  7. LOL all of this was news to me – though the hot weather and humidity is something that has already started here in Indiana!

  8. I learned that silver appleyard ducks are good foragers,and they have a good egg production, and are broody enough to hatch a clutch of 8-12 eggs.

  9. welcome today. cool. such interesting facts. thanks for sharing. I never thought about buttons. but now that you mention it, I have seen this on many covers. cool fact.

  10. Interesting posting this morning. American History, especially the Revolution through Westward Expansion, is a subject I’ve always enjoyed. I’ve often wondered how Martha Washington was able to stay in the background with George being such a prominent figure in the founding of America. The fact that, even today, there is not much known about her is rather telling. The tidbit about tomatos has always been amusing since they were cultivated in South America, taken to Europe where they found their way to pewter dishes and got the rap as a poisonous “fruit.” Can’t imagine having to “pin-up” everyday in the cumbersome clothing women wore for way too long. That goodness for buttons and zippers!
    I’m looking forward to the entire series of “Petticoats and Patriots.”

    • Thank you, Carol! Yes to buttons and zippers. I can’t imagine what those women endured all those years with the heavy, cumbersome clothing. I was amazed when I learned about tomatoes being considered poisonous! I hope you’ll enjoy the series! It’s sure been fun to write!

  11. I learned from your post. The tomatoes were intriguing. At one time in the mid 1900s or maybe earlier, they used cobalt on dishes for decoration and it was radioactive.

  12. Loved this post, Shanna! Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to have heard the first reading of the Declaration? Goosebumps for sure! And the bells! So symbolic and liberating. Give new meaning to the phrase: Let Freedom Ring!

  13. I so enjoyed the blog post and been fascinated by reading about it since I read Dawn’s Light by Elswyth Thane as a very young teen.

  14. It seems like I remember hearing that Martha Washington burned most all of she and George Washington’s letters after he died. Maybe that’s one reason why there isn’t much recorded of her in 1776?

  15. This was so fascinating to read. I would have loved to have been there when the Liberty bell was first rung and heard the Declaration of Independence for the very first time.

  16. I enjoy reading this! I wonder how long it took before they realized tomatoes weren’t poisonous? 🙂

    • From the info I could find, in the 1820s, American horticulturist Robert Gibbon Johnson famously ate a basket of tomatoes on the steps of the Salem, New Jersey courthouse in front of a crowd to prove they didn’t kill him!

  17. I really enjoyed this post, especially the info about John Adams. He is one of my ancestors. But the entire blog was fascinating.

  18. I did not realize that the Declaration of Independence was not read until July 8, 1776 or that people thought that tomatoes were poisonous. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you. Have a blessed Memorial Day weekend.

  19. I learned why amethyst is no longer considered to be valuable (YouTube: Amethyst Used to be Really Valuable). Also, why diamonds are really not worth their price -the price is kept high artificially.

  20. What a fun post, so interesting! I didn’t realize that people once thought tomatoes were poisonous, can’t even imagine that! I love picking ripe tomatoes from my garden, I can’t wait to read this series 🙂

  21. I read some where a number of years ago that the founding fathers thought July 6, would be the day of celebration. It had something to do with when the last person signed it. I did not know the first public reading was July 8.

    I have always wondered why even in the early twentieth century aprons were often made with the bib to be pinned to the shirtwaist or dress. I have one that belonged to my mother-in-law’s aunt that was made that way. It is beautiful but not very convenient.

    • I remember seeing photographs of my great-grandmother with her apron pinned to her dress. Never really thought about it, but that is likely why. A tradition they kept every when buttons were available, I suppose.

  22. Interesting about the buttons. Maybe the women weren’t as active as todays women. Can’t imagine being pinned together. Men seem to get all the perks throughout history.

  23. Very interesting facts! I’ve been to Philadelphia saw the sights and did the touristy things. It’s very interesting to read what our founding fathers went through to gain our independence.
    Thank you for sharing these tidbits of history. I too would not be a fan of pins holding my clothing together! I’d probably have a wardrobe malfunction!

    • Me too, to the wardrobe malfunction! I hope to visit Philadelphia someday. I would love to see all the historical details there! Thank you for stopping in today!

  26. Hi Shanna! I loved your post today! Thank you for all the historical points! I learned from my neighbor that ashes from our wood burning stove provide nutrients needed in our lawn. So we have been throwing out our ashes as we wind down from winter. We shall see if it makes a difference or not. Thank you for the upcoming series. I am thrilled. Blessings on your day.

  28. I grew up outside Wash., D.C. in Prince George’s County, MD. When some of my brothers were probably in junior high, they were sight seeing at the Capitol and discovered that a small subway runs between it and the Senate Office Building. They goofed off so much that they got kicked off. I’m not sure if this mini subway is well known.

  29. Yes. I have read 3 different series about the Revolutionary War recently. One set on Long Island, one in Massachusetts, and one in North Carolina. I was surprised to learn how active women were in the spy business, and also how much of the fighting took place in the South. I always think of New England when I think of the Revolutionary War.

  30. I knew a little about the women’s clothing not having buttons, but it’s unfair that the men’s did! I didn’t know the other things you mentioned, though. I’m thinking wool clothing was more to blame for how hot they got, though the temperature, too. I can’t imagine wearing wool here in FL during the summer!! We rarely need it in winter, though this year we did get down in the 20’s twice where I live in Brevard County!!

  31. The one that surprised me the most is the men’s clothes and buttons… EVERYWHERE!

  33. I knew some of the information in the post. I enjoy this blog for, among other things, the great information you ladies dig up in your research.

  34. I’ve been discovering several ancestors who fought in the American Revolution.

    Also, several years ago I discovered an old kids’ tv series (early 2000s) called Liberty’s Kids. I try to watch it around this time every year if I can and often I will double check what the stories tell us about this time in order to make sure I’m getting truth. You can still find the series online at the Internet Archives.
    https://archive.org/details/libertys-kids-est-1776-full-animated-series

  35. Thank you for the glimpse of Philadelphia when our nation was so new. I love the historical facts.

  36. Wow! Why have I never seen this site before? Shanna – I have read many of your books, and am on your mailing list; but never knew this was here? I read some of the other authors also. I will visit more often!

    Oh – I think I have read that Amish women use pins to hold their clothing, also – even now-a-days.

  37. There are Amish women from the strictest Amish sects, like the Swartzentrubers, who still pin their clothes on today with headless straight pins. I don’t know how they do it every day. I guess you just get used to it.

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