Our American Stories

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The Founding Choice That Defined America: Washington’s Refusal to Be King Jul 04, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, after leading the colonies to victory in the American Revolution, George Washington shocked the world by refusing to become king. Instead, he laid the foundation for the American presidency and helped define the future of our republic. Dr. Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College and bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick share the remarkable story.

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How One Hatmaker Shaped the Image of the American West Jul 04, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, the cowboy hat didn’t come from Texas or tumbleweeds. Instead, it came from a modest Philadelphia workshop. John B. Stetson transformed durable felt and a wide brim into a practical design that would become one of the most iconic symbols of the American frontier. His creation topped the heads of Western legends like Buffalo Bill and Will Rogers, and later, Hollywood cowboys like John Wayne. Our own Reagan Habeeb shares the story of how a simple hatmaker helped shape the look and legacy of the American West.

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How a Tone-Deaf Lawyer Wrote America’s National Anthem Jul 04, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Francis Scott Key wasn’t a musician, a soldier, or a master wordsmith. But after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, he scribbled out a rough poem that captured a nation’s defiance. Set to the tune of a British drinking song, his words became "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the unexpected anthem of a young country.

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President Reagan's Greatest Speech You've Never Heard: His July 4 Speech in NY Harbor Jul 04, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, On July 4, 1986, moments before the largest fireworks display in American history, President Ronald Reagan gave a rousing speech from the deck of the USS John F. Kennedy in New York Harbor. Standing beneath the Statue of Liberty, he reminded the country and the world what freedom really means.

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Who Was Uncle Sam? The Surprising Origins of America's Icon Jul 04, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Uncle Sam is the iconic face of American patriotism, pointing from posters, stamped on recruitment ads, and etched into national memory. But how did he come to be? The real story begins with a New York meatpacker named Samuel Wilson. What started as a shipping label turned into one of the most enduring symbols of liberty and national service.

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"I Came Here Not to Talk, but to Die": The Story of Outlaw Cherokee Bill Jul 03, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Art Burton, author of numerous books on African Americans in the West, tells the story of Cherokee Bill: one of the most feared and notorious outlaws in Indian Territory. Known for his violent robberies and multiple killings during the 1890s, Cherokee Bill became a legendary figure whose brief but deadly career earned him comparisons to Jesse James and Billy the Kid.

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The Story of One of America’s Most Iconic Cartoons: Scooby-Doo Jul 03, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Scooby-Doo, where are you? Americans have been asking themselves this question for over half a century. Our own Greg Hengler shares the story of one of the most iconic cartoons of all time.

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The Story of Air Conditioning, the Barcode, and the Elevator Brake! Jul 03, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Harford, an economist and bestselling author of Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy, shares the story of these three underappreciated inventions in history—air conditioning, the barcode, and the elevator brake!

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The Story of James Arness: WWII Hero Turned TV Hero on “Gunsmoke” (Hollywood Goes to War) Jul 03, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, James Arness is recognized as one of America's most beloved actors. Generations have grown up watching him as Marshal Matt Dillon on television’s longest-running series, Gunsmoke. Here to share another “Hollywood Goes to War” story is Roger McGrath.

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How My Grandpa’s Singing Changed My Life Jul 03, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Maureen Elwyn shares the heartfelt story of a moment with her elderly grandfather and his beautiful singing as she played the organ. We’d like to thank Leslie Leyland Fields for introducing us to this story.

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