It’s National Crayon Day!
It’s National Crayon Day! 🖍🖍🖍 Though crayons were not invented in America, the ubiquitous Crayola crayon is a purely American invention. These crayons were invented in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1902 by Edwin […]
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Daylight Saving Time goes into effect for the first time
On March 31, 1918, Daylight Saving Time went into effect for the first time in the United States. The practice had roots in World War I, when clocks were changed […]
Abigail Adams writes letter to husband John telling him to “Remember the Ladies”
On this day in 1776, Abigail Adams wrote her husband John her now-famous letter urging him to "remember the ladies." "I long to hear that you have declared an independency. […]
Establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps
On this day in 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established to organize young, unemployed American men to work on America’s parks and forests. In addition to providing jobs […]
On this day in 1918, First Lady Betty Ford born in Chicago, Illinois
On April 8, 1918, First Lady Betty Ford was born in Chicago, Illinois. During her time as First Lady, Ford brought special attention to drug and alcohol addiction, as well […]
Official end of the Civil War
On this day in 1865, the Civil War unofficially ended as General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Did you […]
On this day in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was incorporated
On April 13, 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was incorporated in New York City. The museum acquired its first object later that year, a Roman sarcophagus that dates to […]
On this day in 1743, the third president Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia
The third president Thomas Jefferson was born on this day in 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia. At age 33, he drafted the Declaration of Independence and is remembered as its primary […]
On this day in 1775, the first abolitionist society in North America was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
On April 14, 1775, the first abolition society in North America, the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, was established in Philadelphia by Quaker Anthony […]
Paul Revere rides to Lexington and Concord to warn of approaching British troops
On this day in 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott set out from Boston, Massachusetts around 10 pm to warn patriots in Lexington and Concord of the approaching […]
On this day in 1832, First Lady Lucretia Garfield was born in Garrettsville, Ohio
On April 19, 1832 First Lady Lucretia Garfield was born in Garrettsville, Ohio. Her time in the White House was short – her husband President James Garfield was assassinated after […]
First Boston Marathon
On this day in 1897, the first Boston Marathon took place. Only 15 runners (all men) took part in the race, with John J. McDermott of New York finishing victorious. […]
On this day in 1841, Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” published
On April 20, 1841, one of the earliest detective stories, Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” was published. It is widely held as one of the most […]
15th President James Buchanan birthday
On this day in 1791, 15th president James Buchanan was born. The last president born in the 18th century, he served just one term from 1857 to 1861, as […]
On this day in 1800, the Library of Congress was established
On this day in 1800, the Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C. It is our nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and the largest library in the world! Since […]
On this day in 1785, famed ornithologist John James Audubon born in Haiti
On April 26, 1785 famed ornithologist John James Audubon was born in Les Caves, Saint-Dominique (modern-day Haiti). Audubon documented 700+ birds of America in his book, Birds of America. His […]
On this day in 1822, 18th President Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio
On this day in 1822, 18th president Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio. Although he served a full two terms as president, he is often best remembered […]
On this day in 1758, 5th President James Monroe was born in Monroe Hall, Virginia
On this day in 1758, 5th president James Monroe was born in Monroe Hall, Virginia. Though he’s often less remembered than fellow founding fathers Madison, Jefferson, or Washington, Monroe was […]
On this day – Maryland becomes our Seventh State
On April 28, 1788, 7th state Maryland was ratified into the United States. Did you know? The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use. It […]
First President George Washington administered oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City
On this day in 1789, George Washington became our first U.S. president as he was administered the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City. Washington […]
On this day – Louisiana becomes our 18th State
On April 30, 1812, Louisiana was admitted to the United States as our 18th state. Did you know? Perhaps unsurprisingly, Louisiana is the birthplace of jazz. The port city of […]
On this day in 1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated in New York City
On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated in New York City. The 1,250 foot building stood as the tallest in the world until the 1970s with the […]
On this day in 1864, Nellie Bly was born in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania
On this day in 1864, American journalist Nellie Bly was born in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania. Bly (born Elizabeth Cochran) is famous for her daring approach to investigative journalism, and, in […]
Mary Kies becomes the first woman to receive a U.S. patent
On May 5, 1809, Mary Kies became the first woman to receive a U.S. patent for her new method of weaving straw hats using silk and thread. 👒👒👒 Did you […]
On this day in 1884, 33rd President Harry Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri
On this day in 1884, 33rd president Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri. Truman became president under trying circumstances. Upon the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in […]
American Abolitionist John Brown born in Torrington, Connecticut
On May 9, 1800, American abolitionist John Brown was born in Torrington, Connecticut. He’s best remembered for his forceful means of fighting slavery, in particular the raid he led on […]
Completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States in Promontory Point, Utah
On this day in 1869, the first transcontinental railroad in the United States was completed in Promontory Point, Utah, where a golden spike was driven to connect the Union Pacific […]
On this day – Minnesota becomes our 32nd State
On May 11, 1858, Minnesota was admitted into the United States as our 32nd state. Did you know? Minnesota was the first Union state to volunteer troops to fight in […]
On this day in 1607, the first permanent English settlement in America – Jamestown, Virginia – was established
On this day in 1607, the first permanent English settlement in America – Jamestown, Virginia – was established under the orders of King James I. Early inhabitants struggled in Jamestown, […]
The Lewis and Clark expedition begins
On May 14, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition began as William Clark departed from Camp Dubois in Illinois to join Meriwether Lewis in St. Charles, Missouri. Over the course […]
On this day in 1860, First Lady Ellen Wilson born in Savannah, Georgia
On May 15, 1860, First Lady Ellen Wilson was born in Savannah, Georgia. First Lady to Woodrow Wilson, she took a particular interest in art and children’s issues. Before marrying, […]
New York Stock Exchange established
On May 17, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange was established as businessmen met under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street and signed a trading agreement to give preference to […]
On this day In 1954, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was decided
On this day in 1954, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was decided with the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruling that race-based segregation in public schools was unlawful and […]
On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupts, marking the deadliest volcanic eruption in U.S. history
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State, killing 57 people and causing $3 million in damages. It was the deadliest and most destructive volcano eruption in […]
On this day in 1780, residents of New England and New Jersey experienced “New England’s Dark Day”
On this day in 1780, residents of New England and New Jersey experienced what would later be called “New England’s Dark Day” or “Black Friday.” Starting roughly mid-morning, mysterious darkness […]
First Lady Dolley Madison born in Guilford County, North Carolina
On May 20, 1768, First Lady Dolley Madison was born in Guilford County, North Carolina. The wife of founding father James Madison, Dolley balanced his taciturn nature with her sociability, […]
On this day in 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to depart on her solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean
On this day in 1932, American aviator Amelia Earhart departed on her solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first woman (and second person, after Charles Lindbergh) to do […]
Crater Lake National Park established in Oregon
On May 22, 1902, Crater Lake National Park was established in Oregon. Aside from being jaw-droppingly beautiful, the lake is the deepest in the United States, reaching depths of 1,943 […]
World Wrestling Day
May 23 is World Wrestling Day! Several U.S. presidents didn’t just wrestle, but were good at it, including Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Zachary Taylor. Abraham Lincoln was renowned […]
On this day in 1844, telegraph inventor Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph message from the Capital building in Washington D.C. to Baltimore MD
On this day in 1844, telegraph inventor Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph message from the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, MD. 🏛️➡️➡️➡️➡️🏘️ Though now obsolete, the […]
Constitutional Convention begins
On May 25, 1787, the Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Delegates from nearly every state, including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, met to discuss the future of […]
Around this time in 1888, American Athlete Jim Thorpe was born
Around this time in 1888, American athlete Jim Thorpe was born near Prague, Oklahoma, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. Competing in the 1912 Olympics, he was the […]
On this day in 1937, Americans celebrated the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
On this day in 1937, Americans celebrated the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. The iconic structure spans nearly two miles and was the longest suspension […]
First engagement of the French and Indian War
On May 28, 1754, the first engagement of the French and Indian War occurred as a Virginia militia led by 22-year-old George Washington launched a surprise attack on a party […]
On this day in 1917, 35th President John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts
On this day in 1917, 35th President John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. His presidency was marked by Cold War tensions, the civil rights movement, and developments in […]
On this day – Rhode Island becomes the 13th State
On May 29, 1790, our 13th state, Rhode Island, was ratified into the United States. Though it was the first colony to renounce allegiance to Great Britain, it was the […]
On this day in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington D.C.
On this day in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. The structure honors our 16th president and his actions to end slavery and preserve the Union. […]
On this day in 1819, American poet Walt Whitman was born in West Hills, New York
On May 31, 1819, American poet journalist, and essayist Walt Whitman was born in West Hills, New York. Whitman is considered one of our nation’s most important poets, producing enduring […]
On this Day in 1886, President Grover Cleveland wed Frances Folsom at the White House
On this day in 1886, President Grover Cleveland wed Frances Folsom at the White House. Although President Cleveland wasn’t the only president to marry while in office, he remains the […]
First Lady Helen “Nellie” Taft born in Cincinnati, Ohio
On June 2, 1861, First Lady Helen “Nellie” Taft was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Taft was enthusiastic about music and travel. She had a degree in music from the Cincinnati […]
On this day in 1851, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was first published in serial form in the National Era
On this day in 1851, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was first published in serial form in The National Era. Despite the novel’s perpetuation of many racial stereotypes, it was absolutely pivotal […]
First drive-in movie theater opens in Pennsauken, New Jersey
On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in movie theater, Camden Drive-In, opened in Pennsauken, New Jersey. 🎬🎟🚗 Richard Hollingshead, an auto products manager, came up with the idea after witnessing […]
On this day in 1867, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin
On this day in 1867, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Wright is considered one of the greatest American architects of all time, famously designing […]
First Lady Ida McKinley born in Canton, Ohio
On June 8, 1847, First Lady Ida McKinley was born in Canton, Ohio. McKinley suffered from many tragedies in her life – aside from her husband’s assassination in 1901, she […]
On this day in 1692, the first execution of the Salem Witch Trials took place
On this day in 1692, the first execution of the Salem Witch Trials took place as Bridget Bishop was hanged in Salem, Massachusetts. She was the first of 19 people […]
Revolutionary War patriot Joseph Warren born in Roxbury, Massachusetts
On June 11, 1741, American patriot and physician Joseph Warren was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. A significant figure in the early days of the Revolutionary War, Dr. Warren led up […]
Loving v. Virginia
On June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court ruled in Loving v. Virginia that the prohibition of interracial marriage was unconstitutional. The case came to the Court after Mildred Jeter […]
Happy Flag Day!
Happy Flag Day! Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of the American flag. First celebrated locally in northern states during the Civil War, June 14th wasn’t officially established as […]
On this day in 1884, the first American roller coaster opened on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York
On this day in 1884, the first American roller coaster opened on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. This early roller coaster, called the “switchback railway”, used gravity to its […]
Happy Father’s Day!
Father’s Day was not, as one may imagine, founded by a father, but by a loving daughter, Sonora Smart Dodd. While sitting in at a church service for Mother’s Day, […]
On this day in 1865, the final slaves residing in the former Confederacy were granted freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation
On this day in 1865, the final slaves residing in the former Confederacy were informed of their freedom as granted under the Emancipation Proclamation. The day became a holiday for […]
On this day in 1611, explorer Henry Hudson, His teenage son, and seven others were abandoned in Hudson Bay Mutineers
On this day in 1611, explorer Henry Hudson, his teenage son, and seven others were abandoned in Hudson Bay by mutineers. Hudson's company had sailed to the Americas in search […]
On this day in 1876, the Battle of Little Bighorn took place
On this day in 1876, the Battle of Little Bighorn took place in what is now Montana. Combined Native American forces consisting of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors […]
On this day in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act
On this day in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, officially creating the U.S. Interstate Highway System. The new system of highways (41,000 miles in total) […]
On this day in 1863, the battle of Gettysburg began in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
On this day in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg began in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In the bloodiest engagement of the Civil War, tens of thousands of men were killed in battle. […]
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day! On this day in 1776, our nation was born as the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Independence Day has only been a federal holiday […]
On this day in 1872, 30th President Calvin Coolidge was born in Plymouth, Vermont
On this day in 1872, 30th president Calvin Coolidge was born in Plymouth, Vermont. He is the only U.S. president to share a birthday with the country he served. 🎂 […]
On this day in 1747, Revolutionary War naval captain John Paul Jones was born in Arbigland, Scotland
On this day in 1747, Revolutionary War naval captain John Paul Jones was born in Arbigland, Scotland. He is remembered as the “Father of the United States Navy” for his […]
On this day in 1930, construction began on the Hoover Dam on the state border of Arizona and Nevada
On this day in 1930, construction began on the Hoover Dam on the state border of Arizona and Nevada. For its time, it was the tallest dam in the world […]
On this day in 1767, 6th president John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts
On this day in 1767, 6th president John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. He was the first U.S. president to be the son of another U.S. president. The […]
On this day in 1787, Congress adopted the Northwest Ordinance
On this day in 1787, Congress adopted the Northwest Ordinance, which established formal procedures for transitioning American territories into states, encouraged public education, and, perhaps most importantly, banned slavery in […]
On this day in 1913, 38th president Gerald Ford in Omaha, Nebraska
On this day in 1913, 38th president Gerald Ford was born in Omaha, Nebraska. During his administration, the United States exited the Vietnam War and faced a domestic energy crisis. […]
On this day in 1862, Ida B. Wells was born in Holly Springs, Missouri
On this day in 1862, civil rights and women’s rights activist Ida B. Wells was born in Holly Springs, Missouri. An investigative journalist, she reported on and exposed the violence […]
On this day in 1902, the first air conditioner was created
On this day in 1902, the first air conditioner was created. Willis Carrier, a young mechanical engineer in Buffalo, New York, invented modern A/C while seeking ways to reduce humidity’s […]
On this day in 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention began in Seneca Falls, New York
On this day in 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention began in Seneca Falls, New York. The two-day convention for women’s rights is traditionally considered the beginning of the organized women’s […]
On this day in 1969, Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon
On this day in 1969, Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11) became the first men to walk on the moon. In this first successful moon landing, the men […]
On this day in 1861, the first battle of Bull Run took place just North of Manassas, Virginia
On this day in 1861, the first major battle of the Civil War, the First Battle of Bull Run, took place just north of Manassas, Virginia. Though the Civil War […]
On this day in 1893, Katherine Lee Bates penned “America the Beautiful”
On this day in 1893, English professor and social activist Katharine Lee Bates penned “America the Beautiful,” a poem that would soon be turned into the beloved song we still […]
On this day in 1897, American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas
On this day in 1897, American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas. She’s credited with many records and notable accomplishments, including being the first female aviator to […]
On this Day in 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed executive order 9981, which desegregated the U.S. military
General Colin Powell, speaking on the 50th anniversary of the executive order, remarked on the measure: “The military was the only institution in all of America—because of Harry Truman—where a […]
On this day in 1866, Lavinia Ream became the first female artist to receive a commission from the U.S. government
On this day in 1866, Lavinia (“Vinnie”) Ream became the first female artist to receive a commission from the U.S. government. Her project? A full-body statue of the recently deceased […]
On this day in 1805, Alexis de Tocqueville was born in Paris France
On this day in 1805, Alexis de Tocqueville was born in Paris, France. So, why are we noting a Frenchman’s birth on an American history page? Tocqueville’s writings, most notably […]
On this day in 1790, the first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins
On this day in 1790, the first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins for an apparatus used to make pearlash and potash (types of ash used for soap, leavening, […]
On this day in 1819, American novelist Herman Melville was born in New York, New York
On this day in 1819, American novelist Herman Melville was born in New York, New York. He’s best-known for his feat of American literature, Moby-Dick. Melville had a colorful life. […]
On this day in 1790, the first United States Census began
On this day in 1790, the first United States Census began, fulfilling the Constitution’s requirement of a population count. The census was (and still is) important in determining representation. The […]
On this day in 1901, musician Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana
On this day in 1901, musician Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. A stupendous trumpeter and vocalist, he is considered one of the most influential figures in the […]
On this day in 1735, newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel
On this day in 1735, newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel for publishing critical pieces on the royal governor of New York. The ruling laid the […]
On this day in 1755, American patriot and spy Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut
On this day in 1755, American patriot and spy Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut. He is famous for being executed by the British while on a spy mission […]
National Purple Heart Day!
Today is National Purple Heart Day! On this day in 1782, George Washington ordered the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, the direct predecessor to the Purple Heart. It […]
Happy birthday, Smokey Bear!
Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear! On this day in 1944, Smokey Bear’s creation was authorized by the U.S. Forest Service as a public educator in preventing wildfires. Since then, Smokey has […]
On this day in 1874, 31st president Herbert Hoover was born in West Branch, Iowa
On this day in 1874, 31st president Herbert Hoover was born in West Branch, Iowa. His presidency, running from 1929-to 1933, is best-remembered for taking place during the start of […]
On this day in 1860, Annie Oakley was Born in Darke County, Ohio
On this day in 1860, American sharpshooter and showwoman Annie Oakley were born in Darke County, Ohio. She began her shooting career at the age of 8 in order to […]
On this day in 1937, the Appalachian Trail was formerly completed
On this day in 1937, the Appalachian Trail was formally completed. The hiking trail, covering over 2,000 miles and passing through 14 states, was conceived as a way to enjoy […]
On this day in 1786, Davy Crockett was born in Greene County, Tennessee
On this day in 1786, American frontiersman and folk legend Davy Crockett was born in Greene County, Tennessee. A colorful figure, Crockett fought in the War of 1812, as well […]
On this Day in 1590, Roanoke Colony Governor John White returns from England to find all of the colony’s 100+ inhabitants disappeared
On this day in 1590, John White, the governor of the Roanoke Colony, returned from a supply trip to England to find that all of the colony’s 100+ inhabitants had […]
On this day in 1833, 23rd president Benjamin Harrison was born in North Bend, Ohio
On this day in 1833, 23rd president Benjamin Harrison was born in North Bend, Ohio. He is the only president to have been the grandson of another president (William Henry […]
On this day in 1814, the British began burning Washington D.C. during the War of 1812
On this day in 1814, the British began burning Washington, D.C. during the War of 1812. The event was arguably the most devastating blow to American morale during the war, […]
On this day in 1916, the United States National Park Service was created
On this day in 1916, the United States National Park Service was created to preserve the nation’s important “natural and cultural resources” for its citizens and all future generations of […]
On this day in 1908, 36th president Lyndon Baines Johnson was born near Stonewall, Texas
On this day in 1908, 36th president Lyndon Baines Johnson was born near Stonewall, Texas. The successor to John F. Kennedy, President Johnson faced American involvement in the Vietnam War […]
On this day in 1963, Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech took place during the March on Washington
On this day in 1963, the March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech took place on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The gathering […]
On this day in 1632, English philosopher John Locke was born in Wrington, England
On this day in 1632, English philosopher John Locke was born in Wrington, England. His ideas of liberalism, natural law, and positive government were influential on the American founders and […]
On this day in 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia Pennsylvania
On this day in 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At first, the Liberty Bell had little to do with American independence. The Pennsylvania Assembly commissioned the bell […]
On this day in 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, formally ending the Revolutionary War
On this day in 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, formally ending the Revolutionary War. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 Though we often remember the Battle of Yorktown (1781) as the […]
On this day in 1888, George Eastman received a patent for the first roll-film camera – the Kodak
On this day in 1888, George Eastman received a patent for the first roll-film camera – the Kodak. The camera made photography more accessible and was designed with the amateur […]
On this day in 1774, the First Continental Congress assembled in Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia
On this day in 1774, the First Continental Congress assembled in Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia to address growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. The Congress, consisting of […]
On this day in 1791, Washington D.C. was named after president George Washington by the city’s federal commissioners
On this day in 1791, Washington, D.C., was named after President George Washington by the city’s federal commissioners. The president himself chose the site of the future city, settling on […]
On this day in 2001, 9/11, the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history took place
On this day in 2001, 9/11, the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history, took place as terrorists hijacked four planes. Two of these planes were crashed into the twin towers […]
On this day in 1913, American Olympic athlete was born in Oakville, Alabama
On this day in 1913, American Olympic athlete Jesse Owens was born in Oakville, Alabama. He is best known for his victories at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won […]
On this day in 1814, the battle of Fort McHenry occurred during the War of 1812
On this day in 1814, the Battle of Fort McHenry occurred during the War of 1812. The American victory at the battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled […]
On this day in 1857, 27th president William Howard Taft was born in Cincinnati, Ohio
On this day in 1857, 27th president William Howard Taft was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His presidency was marked by the rise of progressivism in both the Democratic and Republican […]
On this day in 1870, the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park received its name
On this day in 1870, the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park was observed by the Washburn-Doane-Langford expedition and received its name. The geyser particularly stood out for its […]
On this day in 1973, tennis players Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs faced off in the “Battle of the Sexes”
On this day in 1973, tennis players Billie Jean King (29) and Bobby Riggs (55) faced off in the “Battle of the Sexes.” Riggs had claimed that he could trounce […]
On this day in 1896, American author F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in St. Paul, Minnesota
On this day in 1896, American author F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He’s particularly associated with the Roaring ‘20s and his best-known work, The Great Gatsby […]
On this day in 1690, the first American newspaper was published in Boston, Massachusetts
On this day in 1690, the first American newspaper was published in Boston, Massachusetts, Publick Occurences Both Foreign and Domestick. Prior to this, only single-paged newspapers (called broadsides) had been […]
On this day in 1722, revolutionary patriot Samuel Adams was born in Boston, Massachusetts
On this day in 1722, revolutionary patriot Samuel Adams was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Adams was a particularly vocal supporter of American independence, boycotting British goods and serving as an […]
On this day in 1908, Ford’s Model T went on sale for the first time
On this day in 1908, Ford’s Model T went on sale for the first time. One of the first mass-production vehicles, the Model T is generally considered the first affordable […]
October is National Seafood Month!
October is National Seafood Month! The American seafood industry has been honored by Congress with this distinction for the past 30 years. It has operated for much longer of course, with […]
On October 2, 1968, Redwood National and State Parks were established
On October 2, 1968, Redwood National and State Parks were established in California. Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on earth, reaching heights of over 350 feet! These protected areas […]
On this day in 1822, 19th president Rutherford B. Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio
On this day in 1822, 19th president Rutherford B. Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio. The Hayes presidency was marked by the 1876 election (one of the most controversial in […]
On this day in 1830, 21st president Chester A. Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont
On this day in 1830, 21st president Chester A. Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont. An oft-overlooked president, his term was distinguished by reduced tariffs and civil service reform (something […]
On this day in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began
On this day in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began, destroying thousands of buildings and claiming roughly 300 lives over the course of three days. A dangerously dry summer and […]
On October 11, 1884, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York City
On October 11, 1884, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York City. The wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor was a very popular and outspoken first lady. She […]
On this day in 1901, the White House officially became the “White House”
On this day in 1901, the White House officially became “the White House”. Prior to Theodore Roosevelt’s order, the White House was officially called “the Executive Mansion.” Did you know? […]
October 12 is National Farmer’s Day!
October 12 is National Farmer’s Day! On this day, we honor all the hard work done by America’s farmers to bring food to our tables. 🍞🌽🍎🥚 According to the American […]
On this day in 1754, Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley was born near Trenton, New Jersey
On this day in 1754, Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley (an inspiration for legendary Revolutionary War hero Molly Pitcher) was born near Trenton, New Jersey. Like many soldiers’ wives during the […]
Happy Birthday to the U.S. Navy!
Happy Birthday to the U.S. Navy! On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to send two armed sailing vessels out to intercept ships carrying munitions and supplies to the […]
On this day in 1890, 34th president Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas
On this day in 1890, 34th president Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas. The Eisenhower administration was defined by Cold War relations, the beginning of desegregation in schools, […]
On this day in 1859, Abolitionist John Brown and His supporters began their raid on the Federal Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
On this day in 1859, abolitionist John Brown and his supporters began their raid on the Federal Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia. The group planned to seize the arsenal […]
On October 16, 1758, American lexicographer Noah Webster was born in West Hartford, Connecticut
On October 16, 1758, American lexicographer Noah Webster was born in West Hartford, Connecticut. Though it was not the first American English language dictionary, Webster’s dictionary, completed in 1828, is […]
On this day in 1777, the British under General John Burgoyne surrendered at the battle of Saratoga
On this day in 1777, the British under General John Burgoyne surrendered at the Battle of Saratoga. The American victory was a turning point in the Revolution and helped convince […]
National No Beard Day!
It’s National No Beard Day! 🪒🪒🪒 Did you know? Nearly every U.S. president could celebrate this day – only 5 of our 46 presidents have worn beards, the first being […]
On October 19, 1781, the British surrendered to George Washington’s army
On October 19, 1781, the British, led by General Lord Charles Cornwallis, surrendered to George Washington’s army at Yorktown, Virginia, effectually ending the Revolutionary War. The surrender marked an end […]
On this day in 1797, the USS Constitution was launched in Boston Harbor
On this day in 1797, the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) was launched in Boston Harbor. Still afloat in Boston today, the USS Constitution is the oldest ship commissioned in the […]
On this day, the first-ever photo of Earth from outer space was taken from the V-2 No. 13 rocket
75 years ago today, the first-ever photo of Earth from outer space was taken from the V-2 No. 13 rocket. Launched from White Sands, New Mexico, the rocket traveled 65 […]
On October 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel
On October 24, 1901, American school teacher Annie Edson Taylor, was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. 🛢️🛢️🛢️ Why did she do it? Having fallen […]
On this day in 1881, the shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona occurred
On this day in 1881, the shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona occurred as law enforcement consisting of the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday faced down the outlaw […]
On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal opened as the first major manmade waterway in the United States
On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal opened as the first major manmade waterway in the United States. Running 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo, New York it was the […]
On this day in 1858, 26th president Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York, New York
On this day in 1858, 26th president Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York, New York. Roosevelt (or Teddy as many still call him) is remembered for his progressive reforms […]
On October 27, 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers (Federalist 1) was published in The Independent Journal and The New York Packet
On October 27, 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers (Federalist 1) was published in The Independent Journal and The New York Packet. 🗞📰📝 Written by Alexander Hamilton under the […]