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.
— George Washington (@foundingfather) June 28, 2014
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?
— John Adams (@PresidentAdams) January 2, 2014
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.
Damn it feels good to be free. #merica
— Thomas Jefferson (@PimpTJefferson) July 4, 2014
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
— Abigail Adams (@Portia1776) June 20, 2014
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.
— Paul Revere (@PaulRevere1734) June 27, 2014
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.
— Benjamin Franklin (@benfranklin) March 11, 2014
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.
What is a democratic republic but a collection of spoiled children each only wanting what is best for themselves?
— King George III (@George_Da_Thurd) June 21, 2014
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.
The 1st 4th of July Celebration (in 1777) @mental_floss. #History#4thofJulyhttp://t.co/rj0dY52nQipic.twitter.com/tWfStSyFWV
— Liz Covart (@lizcovart) July 4, 2014
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.
Portable desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. #July4http://t.co/M16CtxhSjcpic.twitter.com/9lseuslAEX
— amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) July 4, 2014
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.