I would apply a six degrees of separation activity where students brainstorm a series of events that would have occurred differently had this technology never been patented.

I would begin the lesson by showing a video of soldiers marching and fighting in lines and columns (the Battle of Camden from The Patriot is a solid choice). I would then ask the students why they believe soldiers fought in that manner. Some students who hunt may be familiar with smooth-bore muskets and black powder and can contribute knowledge about the weapon technology of the era. In a perfect world I would take students outside to the athletic fields and have them practice marching and turning in line and columns.

Using a mundane item from history, such as boots in this case, would serve as an interesting hook for the curious students who would want to know why the teacher is so passionate about boots. This curiosity could then spider web out into the other themes discussed regarding the role of the federal government during the ACW with material procurement, paying for supplies, and drafting the army. At the end of the lesson I would ask students to brainstorm way their own footwear could inform historians 200 years from now about life today.

When discussing the rising tensions in the mid 19th century, I would expand on my lesson of abolitionists and their role in sectionalism by incorporating the function of the post office. The story of southern post masters refusing to distribute abolitionist mail was new to me and I would offer to the class whether withholding mail is constitutional and right. I dig the new perspective.

In small groups, students will brainstorm a list of developments that enabled America to transition from an agrarian to an urban society. The class will then compile a discuss a group list. In new small groups, the students will prioritize the list from most significant to least significant. As a class, discuss lists and explain why students ranked their lists as they did.

Living near NOVA I wonder if I could arrange a field trip to DC and see one of these stones in Virginia.

At recent State of the Union Addresses, female delegates had worn white. Students who watched the address may recall seeing the white attire. This connection to the modern era could initiate the discussion of what the white symbolizes. This discussion can touch on topics including the 19th amendment, women's suffrage, Declaration of Sentiments, and foundations of the republic.