Ancestral Findings

Mar 13 2025 1088 ep. 7 mins 470

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These brief historical and informational snippets about genealogy and history should encourage and help you advance your family tree.

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AF-1058: The Final Frontier: The Last States and Their Names

Mar 13 2025 8 mins

America didn’t just stop at thirteen colonies. As time went on, the nation kept growing, stretching further west, taking in vast new territories, and shaping them into states. Some were added because of war, others through political negotiations, and a few took decades to achieve statehood. Their names reflect this history—some rooted in Native American languages, others tied t

AF-1057: Westward Bound: The Next States and Their Names

Mar 12 2025 8 mins

As America moved further west, the landscape of the nation changed—literally and figuratively. The states joining the Union during this period were shaped by rugged frontier life, political compromises, and vast, untamed territories. Some were carved from land acquired through war and diplomacy, while others sprang up from territories long inhabited by indigenous nations. Their n

AF-1056: Forging a Nation: The Next States and Their Names | Ancestral Findings Podcast

Mar 11 2025 8 mins

With the original thirteen colonies firmly established as the foundation of the United States, the country began to grow. New states joined the Union, each bringing a unique history, culture, and a name with a story behind it. Some were born from land disputes, others from bold declarations of independence, and a few were carved from vast, uncharted territories. As the nation expan

AF-1055: The First Thirteen: The Origins of the Original Colonies’ Names

Mar 10 2025 6 mins

Every state in the United States has a name, but where do those names come from? Some honor royalty, while others pay tribute to places overseas. Many originate from Native American languages, reflecting the land’s deep indigenous history. Understanding the origins of state names offers a glimpse into the past—into the explorers, settlers, and indigenous peoples who shaped earl

AF-1054: John C. Calhoun: The Forgotten Seconds | Ancestral Findings Podcast

Mar 07 2025 9 mins

John C. Calhoun is one of the most complex figures in American history. Serving as vice president under two different presidents and leaving an enduring mark on the nation’s political landscape, he was a man of immense intellect and unshakable convictions. His advocacy for states’ rights, his role in the Nullification Crisis, and his staunch defense of slavery placed him at the

AF-1053: Fire, Conspiracy, and the Lost 1890 Census: What Went Wrong?

Mar 05 2025 6 mins

If you’ve ever traced your family history, you’ve probably encountered a frustrating gap in the records: the missing 1890 Census. Unlike other census years, which provide a continuous timeline of American households, the 1890 records are nearly nonexistent. For genealogists, it’s a black hole—a crucial historical moment that has disappeared. So, what happened? Was it just a

AF-1052: Elbridge Gerry: The Forgotten Seconds | Ancestral Findings Podcast

Mar 03 2025 9 mins

Elbridge Gerry is often remembered for the term gerrymandering, a practice in electoral politics that still influences elections today. However, his legacy extends far beyond that. Gerry was a key figure in the American Revolution, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a leader in shaping the young United States. His career spanned decades of public service, including hi

AF-1051: Aaron Burr: The Ambitious Vice President Who Fell from Grace | Ancestral Findings Podcast

Feb 28 2025 8 mins

Throughout American history, the vice presidency has often been a stepping stone to the highest office in the land. Some vice presidents successfully ascended to the presidency through election or succession after a president’s death. However, many served in the nation’s second-highest office without reaching the pinnacle of power. In this series, we will explore the lives of t

AF-1050: Inside the 1800 U.S. Census | Ancestral Findings Podcast

Feb 26 2025 7 mins

The 1800 US federal census was the second of its kind taken in the brand new United States. John Adams was the US President then and was only our second one. The Louisiana Purchase hadn’t been made yet, and the West had not been explored. Here is what the 1800 US federal census can tell you about your ancestors. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/a-closer-look-at-the-1

AF-1049: Inside the 1790 U.S. Census | Ancestral Findings Podcast

Feb 24 2025 6 mins

The 1790 US federal census was the first one taken by the United States. It was a brand new country at the time, and this census, though brief and simple, shows what the population of the nation looked like right after its formation. It is a unique and valuable genealogical research resource. Here are the highlights of it. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/a-closer-look