The War for Independence

The War for Independence
An Internet Hotlist on Revolutionary War

created by Gina Morrison
Grand Prairie ISD

Introduction | Virtual Tours | Time Lines | General Information | Miscellaneous

Introduction
I have to say, I think all of the links here are terrific. Because the Revolutionary War took place on our own soil a mere 230 years ago (a drop in the bucket when you think about it), many of the places have been preserved and provide a living history of the time. While we cannot travel there in reality, we can do it virtually, and many of these sites provide just that - a virtual environment in which to learn all about how our nation came to be. As always, take the time to review the sites to familiarize yourself with them before using them with your students. If the list is overwhelming, I've starred a few of the ones that I don't think should be missed.

The Internet Resources

Virtual Tours

*Midnight Rider - A Paul Revere Virtual Museum - This site offers an five different exhibit halls with activities that can be completed for each. Be sure to check out the Teacher's Guide for information about the exhibits and printable materials.
Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum - This site has information about the events leading up to and the events of that day. You can print out a newspaper that details the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party.
Fort Ticonderoga National Historic Landmark - View a brief history of the fort, it's role in the war and photos of artifacts found in the museum.
The Freedom Trail - Not quite a virtual tour, but close, students can visit each of the sixteen sites that make up Boston's Freedom Trail. 'The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites. The Freedom Trail today is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.' (Description taken from the site.) Simply click on the link to each site to see a picture and read about its significance.
Virtrual Marching Tour of the American Revolution - Let your students take a virtual tour of some of the battles of the war. There are a couple of games at the end and they can even hear a song as they march along!

Time Lines

*The History Place - American Revolution - A detailed timeline of events leading up to the revolution. Links at the bottom will take you to timelines covering the war itself, victory, and the building of a new nation. The entire timeline spans the years 1763-1790.
America During the Age of Revolution - A detailed timeline of events from 1764-1775

General Information

*America's Story - The Revolutionary Period - From the Library of Congress site America's Story, information about all aspects of the Revolutionary War period. Be sure to continue to click on the 'More Stories' button or you will miss most of the information.
*Liberty - The Road to Revolution - This site from PBS chronicles the revolutionary war and the events leading to it. Be sure to check out the 'Perspectives' link. Great information in small bites. The 'Road to Revolution' is an online quiz that the kids should enjoy as well.
American Revolution - A very comprehensive web site featuring numerous links, photos, etc.
Historic Valley Forge - A history of the six month encampment of the troops at Valley Forge. There is a lot of information here but it is broken down into manageable pieces. Students can select what it is the want to read about. Extensive information on George Washington.
Spy Letters of the American Revolution - This site exhibits letters that were written by spies during the American Revolution. The site also includes stories about the spies and the methods they use to create their letters.

Miscellaneous

*Colonial Hall - Biographies of America's Founding Fathers - Find biographies of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, signers of the Articles of Confederation, and signers of the Constitution all in one place.
Join the Revolution - From Education World, lessons and activities to bring the Revolutionary War to life in your classroom.
LIberty's Kids - A companion site to the animated television series, this site has a section for parents and teachers that has resources and activities to extend lessons beyond the show. It also includes games for the students. It is definitely worth checking out.
Revolutionary War Quiz - Online quiz of the causes, heroes,dates,and battles of the Revolutionary War.

Content by Gina Morrison, gina.morrison@gpisd.org
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listrevolutigi.html
Last revised Tue Sep 9 10:13:55 US/Pacific 2008