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 are home to the tallest tree in the world, the Hyperion, which is nearly 380 feet tall. 🌲🌲🌲 Did you know? Despite their enormous size, […]

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 U.S. history), the end of Reconstruction, and a return to the gold standard. Before his presidency, much of Reconstruction had already ended and Republicans had […]

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 Arthur initially showed skepticism towards). A year into his presidency, Arthur became aware that he was suffering from fatal kidney disease. The disease was kept […]

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 gusting winds made conditions in the Midwest ripe for fire – the same day that the Great Chicago Fire started, devastating fires also broke out […]

It’s National Chess Day! Celebrated each year on the second Saturday of October, the day encourages a greater appreciation for the game and gives chess enthusiasts another excuse to play. ♟♟♟ Some version of chess has been popular for over 1000 years! Several notable Americans played chess, including Benjamin Franklin, who waxed, “It is so […]