Week of Events
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 the immediate predecessor to Abraham Lincoln. Though Buchanan aimed to compromise in an increasingly divided nation, he failed to prevent the conflict of […]
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 1801, the collection has increased from its initial 740 volumes “necessary for the use of Congress” to over 170 million items. The Library […]
On April 25, 1901, New York became the first state to require automobile license plates
On April 25, 1901, New York became the first state to require automobile license plates. Each driver was tasked with creating his or her plate - most were made from painted wood, leather, or metal. The New York requirement for license plates was a sign of the increasing use of automobiles in America. That said, […]
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 faithful paintings of several species are still enjoyed today. Did you know? Audubon, though most associated with American wildlife, was not American himself. He originally […]
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 for his crucial role in winning the Civil War. Did you know? President and Mrs. Grant almost attended Ford’s Theatre with Lincoln on […]