Drive Thru History: American History
“Do you know the stories of faith and freedom from America's founding?”
About
Join Dave Stotts on an adventure through early American history as he tells the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the founding of the United States of America. Dave travels to five countries in Europe and most of the original 13 colonies, tell stories of faith and freedom, inspiring families with a renewed appreciation for the heritage of our country.
Cast
Dave Stotts
as Himself - Host
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
The Discovery
We visit the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and the significant sites where he was shaped into the man who would lead an historic journey in 1492. We then acquaint ourselves with the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, the benevolent sponsors of Columbus’ voyage. We end with a visit to the beautiful locations where the great minds of the Renaissance set the stage for the discovery of a New World.
The Pilgrims
We journey to Scrooby, England, and learn the story of the Pilgrim Separatists who left their homeland, seeking freedom to live their faith in America. Back in Massachusetts, we visit the somewhat underwhelming Plymouth Rock and challenge some myths about what the first Thanksgiving really looked like. Along the way, we experience the great faith of our Pilgrim forefathers and witness the role of Divine Providence in their journey to the New World.
Boston & Beginnings of Revolution
Just north of Plymouth we travel to Boston, one of America’s oldest and most historic cities. It was here that the American Revolution began. The Boston Massacre of 1770 ignited the minds and hearts of Colonists, leading up to the Boston Tea Party of 1773. We visit the Old North Church, where lanterns signaled Paul Revere’s ride. We experience the “shot heard round the world,” as the Revolutionary War officially began at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Battle of Bunker Hill soon followed, marking the first significant confrontation in the American Revolution.
Whitefield & Boston's Freedom Trail
We return to England to learn about the life of George Whitefield, the father of the “First Great Awakening.” Back in Boston, we park the Jeep and put on our walking shoes to tour the Boston Freedom Trail. As we see Paul Revere’s home, Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution, and the site of Bunker Hill, we are reminded of the importance of Boston in the American Revolution.
William Penn & Early Philadelphia
We examine the life and vision of the enterprising William Penn. At his home, Pennsbury Manor, we learn about Penn’s philosophy of representative government and how it influenced future American government and the U.S. Constitution. We visit Christ Church in Philadelphia, the parish of many Founding Fathers, and we investigate the truth behind the first American flag at the Betsy Ross House.
Founding Fathers of Philadelphia
Philadelphia overflows with early American history. We start our episode by looking at the life of Benjamin Franklin, often called “The First American.” We will learn about the many other Founding Fathers that called the City of Brotherly Love home. Philadelphia represented the best in colonial life and culture, making it the logical place to convene the Second Continental Congress and sign the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall.
Fighters of the Revolution
We learn about some of the great fighters of the American Revolution. We start with the little-known Tadeusz Kosciuszko, the Poland-born engineer who was the mastermind behind the British defeat at Saratoga and the person who designed the fortifications at West Point. We learn about the Battle of Germantown, visit Fort Mifflin, and remember the endurance of Washington’s Continental Army at Valley Forge.
Early Colonial Virginia
Virginia is filled with early American history. We’ll start in Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the New World. We will learn the story of Peter Muhlenberg, the pastor, soldier, and statesman who lived in Woodstock. In Williamsburg, we’ll immerse ourselves in 18th century life, admiring the site of what was once the capital of Virginia. We end by studying the Battle of Yorktown, where the defeat of Cornwallis and his troops led to American independence.
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