America 250 Moments
Richard Montgomery
6/25/2026 | 1mVideo has Closed Captions
Did you know that Alabama's state capitol owes its name to an American Revolutionary War general?
Did you know that Alabama's state capitol owes its name to an American Revolutionary War general?
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
America 250 Moments is a local public television program presented by APT
America 250 Moments
Richard Montgomery
6/25/2026 | 1mVideo has Closed Captions
Did you know that Alabama's state capitol owes its name to an American Revolutionary War general?
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(patriotic music) [Narrator] Did you know that Alabama's state capital owes its name to an American Revolutionary War general?
Born in Ireland, Major General Richard Montgomery fought in the French and Indian War before retiring to his farm with his wife.
But he was soon pulled back into the fray when he was appointed an officer of the Continental Army.
After leading the successful 1775 siege of key British posts in Quebec, he next advanced on Quebec City.
In the middle of a snow storm on New Year's Eve, Montgomery supposedly cried, "Push on, brave boys.
Quebec is ours," as the army attacked.
But the battle ended in disaster for the Americans, and Montgomery was killed in combat.
Today he is honored as a war hero, with many locations named after him, including Montgomery, Alabama.
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America 250 Moments is a local public television program presented by APT