Sam Cohen's "Almanac Posts"

Back in the 18^th century, almanacs were a huge deal. They still are important today, but back then, they were super important. Almanacs offer up all the important information that someone would need back in the 18^th century. And with the internet not being invented for another almost 200 years, almanacs were the only way you could get this information. The importance of almanacs can be seen in The Maryland & Virginia almanac; or Washington ephemeris: for the year of our Lord, 1798; ... Likewise, The way to wealth, Advice to young tradesmen and several useful tables. The 1798 Maryland and Virginia almanac offers up information about the holidays, moon cycles, the government, and the roads. By examining the Tidewater region, we can see the importance of the information in the almanac, especially the government section.

The Tidewater region covers parts of Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. During the 18^th century, this region was known for its political power. It was filled with aristocrats who were able to influence the government and Constitutions. So, for this region to know about the government seems pretty important. On page 18 through 21, the 1798 Maryland and Virginia almanac gives the reader information on the courts, both federal and state, and tells the reader who is the president, vice president, senators, representatives, and the president’s cabinets. The almanac also tells the reader, the salary of each member of the cabinet. Today, our government is highly influenced by money and back then it was no different. So, for a region full of rich people and aristocrats who want to influence the government, it is extremely important for them to know who runs it.

The Maryland & Virginia almanac; or Washington ephemeris: for the year of our Lord, 1798; ... Likewise, The way to wealth, Advice to young tradesmen and several useful tables gives the reader information about the government and other necessary information. In an era without the internet, being able to access this information was difficult but almanacs made it possible, making them extremely important.