Social media has assisted in the build-up of revolutions and uprisings in modern times. It’s fascinating to think how the revolutionaries of the United States would have used Twitter to communicate. What would they have as hashtags? Whom would they follow? What tweet would spark a million retweets? Luckily, there are people out there who have thought to set up accounts from historical figures’ voices, as well just some great feeds for American history buffs.
There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet an enemy.
1. George Washington – @foundingfather Twitter Bio: 6,936 Followers: None. Need for Feed: George Washington, the first president of the United States, led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution. Not only was he a great military strategist, he was an eloquent writer. In this Twitter feed, President Washington shares with us some of his inspiring quotes.
Well that’s the last time I open a store credit card. Thanks @Target. Was 1776 not a secure pin?
2. John Adams – @PresidentAdams Twitter Bio: I hate myself more than you hate me. Followers: 116 Need for Feed: President Adams has many fewer followers that President Washington, but that is to be expected. He was never that popular. The second President tweets his trials and tribulations as he tries to live in our modern society.
3. Thomas Jefferson – @PimpTJeffersonTwitter Bio: Author of the D of I, Founding Father, Preezy of the United Steezy, Founder of The University, Original Pimp. Followers: 2,366 Need for Feed: @PimpJefferson is a Frankenstein creation of President Jefferson and … a pimp. Some Jeffersonians out there might find this account lewd, and while he is definitely not as eloquent as the original President TJ, he offers his homage through humor.
Join My Dearest Friend, & fellow patriots Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Hector and me on Independence Day in DC. http://t.co/tCjf05c4ZR
4. AbigailAdams – @Portia1776 Twitter Bio: Inspirational & educational portrayals of famous women from US history: book Kim Hanley to speak at your next corporate convention or historically themed event. Followers: 145 Need for Feed: Wife and advisor to President Adams, Abigail Adams now uses twitter to educate about famous women from U.S. history. Tweeting 140 characters isn’t enough for her letters to her hubby, so she probably Private Messages lines and lines to @President Adams.
I cannot claim much credit for my current fame @connywu@Oatmeal as I was not well known until Longfellow penned his Poem in 1860.
5. Paul Revere – @PaulRevere1734 Twitter Bio: The famous Midnight Rider spreading news in the 21st century. Follow the LIVE re-enactment tonight organized by@PaulRevereHouse & @HstryOrg Followers: 2,280 Need for Feed: We all knew Paul Revere loved riding, but he’s also really into his house, and anything to do with home decor. He’s also pretty social, and if you’re tweeting at him about any of the above topics, chances are he’ll respond.
.@imdeenanotdinah I shall esteem the Friendship you honour me with; I hope frequently to hear of your Welfare and Prosperity.
6. Benjamin Franklin – @benfranklin Twitter Bio: I have sometimes wish’d it had been my destiny to have been born two or three centuries hence. Followers: 1,978 Need for Feed: This inventor, politician, ambassador, writer, and all-around Renaissance man uses his bifocals to tweet his wisdom. Of course, a man ahead of his time such as Franklin loves modern technology. Franklin is very much admired for his writing, and this account gives you a daily dose of his that in small buzzes.
7. King George III – @George_Da_Thurd Twitter Bio: Some say i am afflicted by madness, but i would call it pure genius! Followers: 154 Need for Feed:He was the King of England during the American Revolution, so it’s interesting to see the other side’s perspective. If you can’t tell by the name, this is a very silly account (probably would get along great with Pimp Jefferson). Though a joker, the tweets seem historically accurate.
8. Liz Covart – @lizcovart Twitter Bio: Historian, Writer, Platform Builder with a practical blog about how to make history accessible. Obsessive Organizer. Loves Yoga, Dogs, Mint Chip & the Red Sox. Followers: 1,137 Need for Feed: Liz Covart is a historian who loves American History. She keeps you informed with interesting facts, but also unique podcasts and ways to celebrate Independence Day Weekend.
For the #July4 holiday – we’re on C-SPAN3 all day! Check out our Revolutionary programming (& more) HERE: http://t.co/cwYodDT8mq
— American History TV (@cspanhistory) July 4, 2014
9. American History TV – @cspanhistory Twitter Bio: All weekend. Every weekend. On C-SPAN3. Followers: 8,559 Need for Feed: While there are many great History Channels on TV, on C-SPAN 3 you’ll only find American history. And though C-SPAN can be pretty dull, C-SPAN 3 focuses on American history, which is anything but. Follow their Twitter feed to discover historical facts, as well as what programming is coming up. At the very least, you can sound hoity-toity by telling people you follow C-SPAN.
10. The National Museum of American History – @amhistorymuseum Twitter Bio: We’re the @Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Raise It Up! http://bit.ly/JNtMEn Our blog: http://bit.ly/15ANYCi Terms:http://bit.ly/1lITqJ1 Followers: 77.1K Need for Feed: The National Museum of American history has some incredible artifacts of our history. And their twitter feed is as well-maintained. This July 4th, they showed Thomas Jefferson’s very cool desk on which he wrote the Declaration of Independence. They also demonstrated their fun side by hosting the “Raise a Glass to History” contest, which was a July 4th historical cocktail competition. For recipes, visit here.
There you have it—a drop from an ocean (or at least a sizable lake) of good Twitter feeds for July 4th. How about you, Paste readers … what are some other good Twitter feeds for people who love American history?
Madina Papadopoulos is a New York-based freelance writer, author and regular contributor to Paste. You can follow her on Twitter.
