Over the course of 250 years, countless honorable men and women have shaped the United States of America. From Founding Fathers to everyday heroes, these are the figures from our country’s past whose accomplishments and character have left their mark on our readers’ hearts.
As a young girl, our Midwest town revolved around the feed store, school, church, pharmacy, an occasional train, and the library. The library was the definite highlight to me, especially with the friendly librarian who wore forties-style clothes and a hairdo to match. Reading and books became such important factors in my life that I eventually became a librarian in a small town myself. Now in retirement, the written word is still precious to me, and thus the answer was easy when pondering which individuals from our nation’s past have impacted my life.
Quickly, my thoughts went to an important person in American literacy: Noah Webster. He was a patriot during the time of our country’s declaration of independence 250 years ago. Beyond this, he devised a plan to unify our country by creating a speller that captured the way most colonists pronounced their words. By 1806, he had contributed to literacy with the publication of A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language. Webster’s passion for words written and spoken continued until his death in 1843. He is considered the “Father of American Scholarship and Education.” What is published today and enjoyed by English speakers such as me is due largely to Noah Webster’s efforts.
LUCINDA DENNIS
Lawson, Missouri
Clara Barton, “Angel of the Battlefield,” was born on Christmas day in 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts. She began her nursing career at an early age and, in 1861, risked her life traveling to the battlefields of the Civil War. More than a nurse, she was a provider. Clara used her own funds to advertise for medicines and food, which she brought to the soldiers. She also helped by answering thousands of letters and even reconnecting missing soldiers with their families after the war. And, of course, she was famous for being the founder of the American Red Cross in 1881.
My connection to Clara Barton was through her letter writing. When I saw her desk in a museum, I was moved by her kindness and dedication in responding to the thousands of letters she received from family and friends inquiring about Civil War soldiers. I, too, found it of utmost importance to respond to important letters. In my case, it was writing to prisoners and responding to their letters. I found it immensely rewarding and important to their well-being. Another connection was through medicine, as my father was a doctor. I grew up respecting the dedication of the nurses with whom he worked.
CRISTABELL REICHE WEST
New Braunfels, Texas
Growing up in the middle of the historic triangle—Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, Virginia—can make one feel transported to the past. Your footsteps tread the same places where leaders of long ago made impactful decisions on the formation of our country. Of those leaders, one stands out: George Washington was the U.S.’s first leader and accomplished so very much. His integrity, courage, and bravery should be a reminder to all Americans that our nation represents freedom and strength. He has an amazing list of accomplishments, from winning the Revolutionary War to being our first president, and unanimously elected at that!
As a first-grade teacher, it is important to me to educate my little students on the importance of historical figures who have made a difference. George Washington is one of those people who helped mould our country into what it is today.
When my parents moved across the river to Yorktown, my dad commented that he was returning to his roots and the roots of our country. He decorated an entire family room in honor of America, which included many portraits of George Washington. He taught my children the history of our country. They were fortunate to visit many historical sites and run and play in the battlefields, pretending to be Washington fighting alongside Lafayette. To this day, each of my now adult children has an appreciation for our country and its history. This will be passed down for many generations in our family.
CYNTHIA COMOSE
Chapin, South Carolina
To read more letters from our readers about beloved educators, see “Defining a Nation” in the July/August 2026 issue, available on newsstands and at victoriamag.com. Plus, submit your thoughts for our current Reader-to-Reader prompt for a chance to have your letter printed in an upcoming issue of Victoria!
