Exploring the Road to Revolution, One Story at a Time

As America prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its independence in 2026, I’m embarking on a journey of my own—a historical and travel-filled deep dive into the people, places, and pivotal events that shaped the American Revolution. Welcome to Bylandersea’s America 250 Blog Series.

History has always fascinated me, but I hold a special passion for the colonial era—the century leading up to the Revolution, the sparks of rebellion, and the heroic acts that birthed a nation. With this series, I’ll take you beyond the textbooks and bring you face-to-face with living history.

What to Expect

That’s me and my daughter, Abby, many years ago demonstrating open-hearth cooking.

Over the coming months, I’ll travel to key Revolutionary War sites and colonial towns across the original thirteen colonies (and beyond), uncovering stories of ordinary people who made extraordinary choices. I’ll feature:

  • People: From Founding Fathers to forgotten heroines, enslaved voices to patriot soldiers, you’ll meet the complex cast of characters who shaped America’s founding.
  • Places: Historic homes, battlegrounds, churches, taverns, meetinghouses, forts, and
    colonial cities—each holds a story waiting to be discovered.
  • Events: From the Boston Tea Party to the Battles of Lexington and Concord, from the signing of the Declaration to the harsh winter at Valley Forge, I’ll walk in the footsteps of revolution.
  • Maps & Routes: I’ll include custom maps and suggested itineraries to help you follow in the footsteps of history.
  • Travel Tips: Where to stay, what to see, how to plan your visit, and how to make Revolutionary sites fun and meaningful for all ages.
  • Visitor Tips: Whether you’re a solo traveler, history buff, family on vacation, or armchair explorer, I’ll offer practical advice and inspiring stories to help you connect with the past.
Debi Lander at the Yorktown Victory Center

Why It Matters

This series is not just about facts and dates—it’s about understanding who we are as a country and where we came from. The road to independence was long and complicated, full of courage, contradiction, and compromise. By exploring these stories through travel, I hope to bring history to life in vivid, personal ways.

As we approach America’s 250th birthday, I invite you to join me on this unforgettable journey. Let’s rediscover the spirit of 1776—together.

Debi meets Thomas Jefferson at Monticello


Look for new posts each week and follow along on social media with the hashtag #BylanderseaAmerica250.

Let the countdown to 2026 begin!