10 Accurate Historical Details in ‘National Treasure’

As a history enthusiast and movie buff, I find myself utterly captivated by the fascinating blend of fact and fiction that is National Treasure. The movie, with its thrilling narrative and intricate plot, manages to weave together some truly remarkable historical tidbits in a way that makes learning fun and engaging.

The idea behind “National Treasure” is intriguing: what if the Declaration of Independence concealed a map guiding to a secret stash put aside by the early American pioneers? Pursuing a series of cryptic historical hints, Benjamin Franklin Gates, a treasure hunter and historian (portrayed by Nicolas Cage), is in a mad dash to uncover this hidden fortune before a group of ruthless mercenaries manage to claim it first.

The blockbuster hit, “National Treasure,” sparked a series, with rumors of a third installment on the horizon. The initial film skillfully blends action and history to craft an extraordinary tale. Although most of the movie is fictional (regrettably, no hidden treasure exists), “National Treasure” incorporates authentic historical details that would satisfy history enthusiasts. Let’s distinguish fact from fiction and identify ten surprising historical details that the movie accurately portrays.

10 “The Primary Writing Medium of the Time Was Iron Gall Ink”

In simpler terms, the main plot of the movie “National Treasure” revolves around the Declaration of Independence, a crucial document from the American Revolution. This document is portrayed as holding the secret or guide – more like a map – to an undiscovered treasure. Consequently, the film incorporates numerous historical facts related to the Declaration of Independence.

During his musings, attempting to fit together various hints, Ben mentions that the main writing tool at that time was iron gall ink. In actuality, this ink was widely preferred during the late 18th century. Notably, it was the ink used for penning the Declaration of Independence in 1776 itself.

9 The Declaration of Independence Is Written on Material That’s Partially Made of Animal Skin

The Declaration of Independence is not just composed of iron gall ink; it’s also inscribed on a material partly derived from animal hide, known as parchment.

Contrary to some historical assertions, it’s been wrongly suggested that the document was penned on hemp. However, scholars such as Benjamin Franklin Gates and the creators of National Treasure accurately pinpointed the substance as parchment or animal skin.

8 The Notation on the Back of the Declaration of Independence

You don’t need to be a historian to know that the Declaration of Independence is a famous piece of writing. But did you know there’s also writing on the back of it? “The only thing there is a notation that reads ‘Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776’,” one of Ben’s companions, Abigail (Diane Kruger), tells us.

Indeed, those words are indeed engraved at the rear of this significant artifact, functioning as a kind of identifier. Notably, there is nothing else on the reverse side of the Declaration. I’m afraid there’s no hidden map waiting to be discovered using lemon juice, regrettably.

7 Daylight Saving Time Wasn’t Invented Until WWI

Poor Riley (Justin Bartha) often finds himself in Ben’s shadow due to Ben’s extensive understanding of American history. However, he manages to grab a moment of triumph when Ben is left puzzled by the concept of daylight savings time.

Riley, with a hint of pride, shares a tidbit about history that might be new to you: Daylight Savings Time wasn’t set up until after World War I. Pausing for reaction, Riley then inquires, “By the way, do you know who first proposed the idea of daylight savings?” The answer, as it turns out, is Benjamin Franklin.

6 The British Ship “Charlotte” Was Real

Ben and Riley embark on a treasure hunt by venturing into the Arctic in search of the genuine British vessel, the Charlotte, which mysteriously disappeared at sea. Contrary to what one might think, this ship wasn’t merely created for a screenplay; it was indeed an authentic vessel, though its presence in the Arctic is highly improbable.

In 1818, it was said that “The Charlotte” vanished near the shores of Newfoundland, quite a distance away from where our story unfolds. Nevertheless, this little piece of history adds some intrigue to the narrative.

5 Timothy Matlack Helped Write the Declaration of Independence

Have you ever come across the name Timothy Matlack? Chances are, many Americans haven’t, despite his significant role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. Although it’s common knowledge that Thomas Jefferson is credited as the author, what people may not realize is that he didn’t actually write the official document. The elegant, curved letters you see on the parchment? Those aren’t even Jefferson’s handwriting.

During the American Revolution, Timothy Matlack – a prominent political figure admired for his exceptional handwriting – was tasked with copying Thomas Jefferson’s draft. Interestingly, it’s Matlack’s copy, not Jefferson’s original, that the Founding Fathers signed. Today, over 240 years later, this version by Matlack is considered the authentic Declaration of Independence.

4 Charles Carroll Was the Last Living Signer of the Declaration

The movie “National Treasure” commences with a young Benjamin Franklin Gates (portrayed by Hunter Gomez) being told an engaging tale about a concealed treasure linked to America’s Founding Fathers by his grandfather, John Adams Gates (played by Christopher Plummer). He goes on to share how their lineage discovered this treasure, which was first passed down to their ancestor, Thomas Gates, through a man named Charles Carroll.

In simpler terms, John Adams Gates clarifies that Charles Carroll was indeed the last survivor among those who signed the Declaration of Independence, contrary to any rumors about him hiding a hidden fortune.

3 Benjamin Franklin Wrote Letters as Silence Dogood

Another hint suggests a collection of letters dated back to the 1700s, written anonymously by a person known as Silence Dogood. As the movie reveals, when Benjamin Franklin was 15 (actually he turned 16 that year), he covertly penned 14 letters for his brother’s newspaper, under the guise of a fictional widow named Silence Dogood. While there is an error in stating his age, the main part of this explanation holds true.

James Franklin, Ben’s sibling, established and managed the New-England Courant, a newspaper that declined to publish several of Ben’s pieces. Aggravated and yearning for his work to be published, Ben assumed the identity of Silence Dogood and penned 14 letters under this alias. The Courant ended up publishing all 14 letters, many of which took aim at life in colonial America.

It turned out that the letters were well-received by readers. A few of them even hinted at wanting to wed the widowed Silence Dogood. Needless to say, James was displeased when he discovered that his younger brother had penned those letters. The New-England Courant is still significant in American history as it’s acknowledged for kickstarting Benjamin Franklin’s printing career and featuring his earliest published pieces.

2 The Liberty Bell Was Replaced by the Centennial Bell

In the movie “National Treasure”, the famous historical artifact, the Liberty Bell, briefly appears. During a tour led by the film’s antagonist, Ian (portrayed by Sean Bean), an intriguing piece of information is shared. The guide reveals that the final expansion of the crack in the Liberty Bell took place on George Washington’s birthday in 1846, effectively ending its service permanently. Indeed, the Liberty Bell sounded for one last time on this day, in tribute to George Washington, causing a crack that made it unusable from then on.

In the following sequence, Ben and his colleagues delve into the original site of the Liberty Bell, finding another bell there instead. Riley wonders, “What’s this bell?” To which Ben responds, “The Centennial Bell.” He clarifies that this bell was put in place during 1876, taking over from the Liberty Bell. As it turns out, this information is correct. The Centennial Bell was fashioned by melting down four cannons from the Revolutionary War and Civil War, created as a commemoration for America’s centennial celebration in 1876. This Centennial Bell was then installed in Independence Hall’s tower, where it still stands today.

1 The Declaration’s Atomic Bomb-Proof Vault

To conclude, let’s add one more fascinating tidbit about the Declaration of Independence: In the movie “National Treasure,” this historic document receives top-notch security. When it’s not on display for the public, the Declaration is safely stored in a vault designed to withstand an atomic bomb blast.

Remarkably, what you might think is a plot for a movie isn’t – each evening at the National Archives, the Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, are carefully stored in a 50-ton safe designed especially for them, hidden beneath the exhibition area. They remain there until their next public appearance. No other text in the world is protected to this extent, which makes the Declaration of Independence one of the most securely guarded documents ever created.

2024-11-22 02:02