The American Revolution
A Story 250 Years in the Making
The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more away. It impacted millions from Vermont's Green Mountains to the swamps of South Carolina, from Indian Country to the Iberian Peninsula. In defeating the British Empire and giving birth to a new nation, the American Revolution turned the world upside-down. Thirteen colonies on the Atlantic Coast united in rebellion, won their independence, and established a republic that still endures.
Defining Moments in Arkansas History
Learn about Arkansas’s rich history and explore the moments that shaped who we are today. Our interactive timeline invites you to reflect on our shared story—both as a nation and here in Arkansas—as we journey toward the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in July 2026.
Download the timeline and corresponding map to discover how the people, places, and events of the past connect to the future.
National History Day Arkansas
Additional award opportunity with Arkansas PBS
In 2025 and beyond, the U.S. will mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Arkansas PBS is partnering with National History Day Arkansas to showcase student stories that connect Revolutionary history to our state, our communities, and our future. Your work could be featured on Arkansas PBS and social media!
Story prompts
Inspired by the PBS documentary "The American Revolution," Arkansas PBS invites students to use story prompts that connect the past to their own communities, ideas, and creativity. Use National History Day research methods and choose the format you like best: Performance, Documentary, Exhibit, Website, or Paper.
Special prizes
Three special prizes will be awarded at National History Day Arkansas State Contest and Award Ceremony in Spring 2026. Selected projects will also be featured by Arkansas PBS using #ARVoicesAt250.
Special prizes sponsored by Arkansas PBS Foundation and the Stella Boyle Smith Trust.
Transcribe-a-Thons
Are you interested in research? Join a Transcribe-a-Thon and work with the Library of Congress to transcribe original Revolutionary-era documents.
Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Baxter County Library
Light lunch provided
Documentary series premieres November 16
"The American Revolution," a new six-part, 12-hour documentary series on America's founding struggle, will present the story of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation, their humanity in victory and defeat, and the crisis that they lived through. By weaving together accounts of the American political leaders and their British counterparts with the perspectives of the so-called ordinary people who waged and witnessed war, "The American Revolution" will be an expansive, evenhanded look at the virtues and the contradictions in the fight for independence and the birth of the United States.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment, Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.