American Essence
Explore the essence of America with The Epoch Times | Discover insightful articles and stories that capture the spirit of American culture, history, and values.
American Essence | LATEST STORIES
‘Carter Scratch’: The Transformative Guitar Technique
Maybelle Carter’s unique guitar rhythm influenced musicians across genres.
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Inventor Garrett Morgan: A Lifelong Wish to Save Lives
The inventor of the first gas mask and three-way traffic signal had a passion for learning how things worked.
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From Tokyo to Tennessee: Japan’s Love of Country Music
During World War II, Japanese people were introduced to the genre through the Armed Forces Radio Service.
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Astors, Vanderbilts, and the Battle for New York’s Opera Scene
In ‘This Week in History,’ when Alva Vanderbilt takes on the Astors to break into New York’s elite, it lays the groundwork for a much larger societal battle.
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Tune in Today: Chance Conspired to Create a Popular Composition
Composer-pianist Edward McDowell wrote “To a Wild Rose” with a little help from his wife.
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Orville Gibson: The Luthier Who Gave Music Its Modern Voice
The Gibson guitar is a symbol of dynamic sound in the popular music industry.
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Rubber and a Good Doctor: Benjamin Franklin Goodrich
Civil War surgeon B.F. Goodrich indulged his entrepreneurial talent to found a great American company.
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‘The Chambermaid’: Rediscovering the Huguenots’ Spiritual Life
Author Dorothy Fletcher’s connection to her novel deepened with discovered music.
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The Archers’ 1st Release in Over 3 Decades
The sibling trio’s August 2025 record ‘Legacy Live’ features a compilation of their biggest hits and fan favorites.
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‘Where Do We Get Such Men?’
In this installment of “When Character Counted” is the story of a man whose phenomenal grit and courage became legendary in the U.S. Air Force.
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Bowling Green Station: A Little Building With a Big Purpose
In this installment of ‘History Off the Beaten Path,’ we look at a tiny, 120-year-old structure largely unobserved in lower Manhattan.
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Acclaimed History Professor Presents Brilliant Lectures in Book Form
Pulitzer-winning professor Walter A. McDougall surveys American history and its role in international relations through 12 engaging lectures.
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New York Public Library: Classic Exterior, Artsy Interior
In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we visit one of the largest and most iconic public libraries in the United States.
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‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’: ‘Gunsmoke’ and Country Music
An iconic Western show inspired Toby Keith’s first hit song.
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Wars, Sedition, and Defining a ‘Clear and Present Danger’
In ‘This Week in History,’ subversives attempt to refute war legislation, forcing the U.S. court system to redefine the parameters of free speech.
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How One Man Revived the Art of Making Salt on San Juan Island
With just seawater, sunshine, and greenhouses, Brady Ryan is bringing back one of the oldest human trades.
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Chimney Rock: Stalwart in Stone
In this installment of ‘History Off the Beaten Path,’ we see how a North Carolina state park remained intact despite last year’s pummeling by Hurricane Helene.
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Holdfast Alaska: The Family That Chose to Homestead in the Alaskan Wilderness
Dennis and Amy Westerlind headed westward to achieve their dream of living off-grid.
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An Enduring Tribute to Indiana’s Wabash River
Paul Dresser’s ballad ‘On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away’ become the official state song in 1913.
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Forged in Maine: How 3 Friends Brought Axe-Making Back
Each Brant & Cochran axe is hand-crafted in Maine, resulting in heirloom quality made to last several generations.
|
‘Carter Scratch’: The Transformative Guitar Technique
Maybelle Carter’s unique guitar rhythm influenced musicians across genres.
|
Inventor Garrett Morgan: A Lifelong Wish to Save Lives
The inventor of the first gas mask and three-way traffic signal had a passion for learning how things worked.
|
From Tokyo to Tennessee: Japan’s Love of Country Music
During World War II, Japanese people were introduced to the genre through the Armed Forces Radio Service.
|
Astors, Vanderbilts, and the Battle for New York’s Opera Scene
In ‘This Week in History,’ when Alva Vanderbilt takes on the Astors to break into New York’s elite, it lays the groundwork for a much larger societal battle.
|
Tune in Today: Chance Conspired to Create a Popular Composition
Composer-pianist Edward McDowell wrote “To a Wild Rose” with a little help from his wife.
|
Orville Gibson: The Luthier Who Gave Music Its Modern Voice
The Gibson guitar is a symbol of dynamic sound in the popular music industry.
|
Rubber and a Good Doctor: Benjamin Franklin Goodrich
Civil War surgeon B.F. Goodrich indulged his entrepreneurial talent to found a great American company.
|
‘The Chambermaid’: Rediscovering the Huguenots’ Spiritual Life
Author Dorothy Fletcher’s connection to her novel deepened with discovered music.
|
The Archers’ 1st Release in Over 3 Decades
The sibling trio’s August 2025 record ‘Legacy Live’ features a compilation of their biggest hits and fan favorites.
|
‘Where Do We Get Such Men?’
In this installment of “When Character Counted” is the story of a man whose phenomenal grit and courage became legendary in the U.S. Air Force.
|
Bowling Green Station: A Little Building With a Big Purpose
In this installment of ‘History Off the Beaten Path,’ we look at a tiny, 120-year-old structure largely unobserved in lower Manhattan.
|
Acclaimed History Professor Presents Brilliant Lectures in Book Form
Pulitzer-winning professor Walter A. McDougall surveys American history and its role in international relations through 12 engaging lectures.
|
New York Public Library: Classic Exterior, Artsy Interior
In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we visit one of the largest and most iconic public libraries in the United States.
|
‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’: ‘Gunsmoke’ and Country Music
An iconic Western show inspired Toby Keith’s first hit song.
|
Wars, Sedition, and Defining a ‘Clear and Present Danger’
In ‘This Week in History,’ subversives attempt to refute war legislation, forcing the U.S. court system to redefine the parameters of free speech.
|
How One Man Revived the Art of Making Salt on San Juan Island
With just seawater, sunshine, and greenhouses, Brady Ryan is bringing back one of the oldest human trades.
|
Chimney Rock: Stalwart in Stone
In this installment of ‘History Off the Beaten Path,’ we see how a North Carolina state park remained intact despite last year’s pummeling by Hurricane Helene.
|
Holdfast Alaska: The Family That Chose to Homestead in the Alaskan Wilderness
Dennis and Amy Westerlind headed westward to achieve their dream of living off-grid.
|
An Enduring Tribute to Indiana’s Wabash River
Paul Dresser’s ballad ‘On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away’ become the official state song in 1913.
|
Forged in Maine: How 3 Friends Brought Axe-Making Back
Each Brant & Cochran axe is hand-crafted in Maine, resulting in heirloom quality made to last several generations.
|