Did they have an interest in or study astronomy, or did our founding fathers and mothers have to be dragged (kicking and screaming) from the world of astrology into the realm of science?
Astronomy was not a new science in the 17th century, but settling the New World was like moving from the city to a completely unknown and unsettled wilderness. That took most all those hardy folks could muster just to survive. However, by the late 18th century, we did have towns and cities, schools of higher education, and science was a burgeoning topic of interest. At that time around 90% of the population could read.
Just before the revolution a couple of astronomers, Charles Mason & Jeremiah Dixon surveyed the contested borders of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The border on southern Pennsylvania became known as the Mason-Dixon line, demarcating the south vs the north during our Civil War.
A fair amount of publishing was going on around the time of our revolution, and a favorite publication was the Almanac, containing information about tides, weather, and movements of heavenly bodies. Benjamin Franklin was among those publishing almanacs in pre-revolutionary times.
George Washington, a respected surveyor, used his knowledge of astronomy as a practical source of information and promoted the advancement of science.
John Adams visited England’s Royal Observatory and conversed with royal astronomer William Herschel. He was fascinated by and wrote about the possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system.
Thomas Jefferson made astronomical observations and had a general love of science. He recommended to Lewis and Clarke that they document astronomical observations during their quest to find a river route to the Pacific Ocean. He even designed an observatory for Virginia’s Central College (now the University of Virginia).
Presidents Monroe, Madison, and John Quincy Adams all argued for the establishment of a national observatory.
What of our Founding Mothers? Due to cultural practices at that time, women just didn’t get the credit or respect they deserved. We also don’t know as much about their interests outside their family lives. This is what our culture has had to and continues to do…drag (kicking and screaming) the hypocritical, men are better attitudes and put them in the dumpster. The Founding Mothers are relegated to books and short stories about how they supported their men in the cause.
Here are some of the most well-known Founding Mothers:
Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, Deborah Sampson (alias Robert Shurtlieff), Martha Washington, Mercy Otis Warren, Esther Reed, Dolly Madison, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton.
I wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!
What’s in the Sky?
July 3: Full Moon – Buck Moon, Salmon Moon, Berry Moon, Feather Molting Moon. This full Moon is near perigee (closest to Earth in its orbit), making it a supermoon too.