The history behind our great nation is a tapestry of stories about people who lived through landmark events, challenging times and amazing innovations.

America250: A Journey Through Time is a special publication designed to remember, celebrate and honor those pieces of our past as we prepare to mark the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

With the assistance of historians and experts, the Eagle will share insights into pivotal events that changed the face of our nation.

In this first edition, we step into time and try to understand the life of a Continental Army soldier and how the Valley Forge encampment shaped our nation’s future. As the year goes on, we also will explore topics such as America’s love affair with the automobile and baseball, the impact of the railroad and the influence of the presidency.

Each issue also will include an article from a state perspective on major events such as the Civil War and the World War I and II. This special publication also will examine moments in time such as the Johnstown flood, the effects of Prohibition, the impact of the creation of photography, and the lives of the Seneca tribes.

Butler County’s ties to history are strong, and each issue will connect local people to historical events. This month, we learn how an ancestor of the Sullivans served at Valley Forge and can imagine being downtown as Marquis de Lafayette visited Butler in 1825.

Look forward to reading profiles on people who made their mark on history such as Charles Albert Waters, the first Black soldier from Butler; a visit to town by Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross; and the infamous tale of Sam Mohawk, who confessed to the murder of the Wigton family in1843.

During our journey, we will tell the stories of the boroughs and townships in our county. We also will offer a list of places where readers can continue their own journey through time and learn more about the people and events.

To accomplish this 3½-year mission, we are grateful for the support of local historical groups and county residents whose love of history brings the past alive as well as experts from across the state and nation. We are looking to shine new light on our most beloved historical gems, such as the invention of the Jeep, and are also seeking stories yet untold.

America250: A Journey Through Time hopefully will help us learn more about who we are as Americans, connect with that history and be inspired by it.

Enjoy.

Donna Sybert, managing editor, Butler Eagle