Countdown to Freedom - "Imagine it's January 9, 1776", Common Sense with Brianna Lyman

January 20, 2026

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Brianna Lyman

Imagine its January 9, 1776. You head down to a print shop with two shillings in your pocket

You want to buy a copy of Common Sense

Published anonymously, Common Sense did something radical – it asked ordinary Americans to simply trust what they already felt.

Countdown To Freedom Series - Brianna Lyman (The Federalist)

January 9 - Imagine its January 9, 1776. You head down to a print shop with two shillings in your pocket

January 8 - Imagine it’s January 8, 1776. You’re watching a play with your husband, an officer in the Royal Navy.

January 7 - Imagine it’s January 7, 1776. You haven’t yet read the King’s October speech, but you’ve heard whispers, rumors from port towns. You have a feeling you just can’t shake.

January 6 - Imagine it’s January 6, 1776. You get handed a meager ration and you look around, wondering if this is all worth it.

January 5 - Imagine it’s January 5, 1776. Up until now, reconciliation with the Crown still seemed like a possibility, that is, until you hear the news.

January 2 - Imagine it’s January 2, 1776. You see a neighbor in the street and smile, but he doesn’t look happy to see you.

January 1 - Imagine waking up on New Years Day to your city on fire — that was Norfolk, Va 1776

Brianna Lyman

@briannalyman2

Proud American; DAR Host: Countdown to Freedom @FDRLST;