May 20, 2013

Today in History: Norway

Norwegian carriage [Norway]

Today in History–May 17–the Library of Congress features Norwegian Constitution Day, celebrated on this date in commemoration of the 1814 adoption of Norway's constitution. Learn more about this Northern European country and Norwegian Americans by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below to access related primary sources. Norway primary source set from the World Digital Library Norway maps Norway images Books & other texts about Norway "Norway's … [Read more...]

Today in History: Arlington National Cemetery

Sailor and girl at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Washington, D.C.

Today in History–May 13–the Library of Congress features Arlington National Cemetery. On this day in 1864  a Confederate prisoner of war was buried on the grounds of Arlington House in Virginia, on the Potomac River opposite Washington, D.C. Today, the cemetery is the final resting place for soldiers from every war in which the United States has participated, including the American Revolution and each year Memorial Day is honored by placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns. In … [Read more...]

Today in History: Lusitania Lost

Front page, The Seattle star., May 07, 1915

Today in History–May 7–the Library of Congress features the British ocean liner Lusitania, sunk by a German submarine on this day in 1915.  Public outrage at the sinking of the civilian ship—though it was also carrying ammunition manufactured in the U.S.—was tremendous and helped to hasten U.S. entry into World War I. Learn more about this tragic day in world history by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related primary sources. Topics … [Read more...]

Today in History: Grant’s Army Attacks Confederate Lines at Petersburg

Petersburg, Va. Fortifications

Today in History–April 2–the Library of Congress features the attack of Confederate lines at Petersburg, Virginia on this day in 1865. Led by U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant, the battle lasted less than a day and helped hasten the capture of Richmond about a month later. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about Petersburg, Virginia. Remember, LOC.gov offers thousands of Civil War primary sources and teaching … [Read more...]

Featured Image: The little pie

The little pie

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Today in History: Maryland

Maryland! my Maryland! a patriotic song

Today in History–March 25–the Library of Congress features Maryland. On this date the state celebrates the 1634 arrival of the first colonists to the land chartered to Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. One of the original 13 colonies, today Maryland is known as the "free" state. Learn more about this state on the Eastern seaboard by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to … [Read more...]

Today in History: William T. Sherman

Gen. William T. Sherman on horseback

Today in History–March 11–the Library of Congress features General William T. Sherman, who destroyed the Confederate arsenal upon capturing the town of Fayetteville, North Carolina, on this date in 1865. Just about one month later, the Confederacy surrendered, ending the Civil War. Learn more about Sherman as well as war-time work carried out by women by visiting the Today in History section. For more primary sources related to General Sherman, click the links below. William T. … [Read more...]

Today in History: Daniel Webster

Daniel Webster addressing the United States Senate, in the great debate of the Constitution and the Union 1850

Today in History–March 7–the Library of Congress features Senator Daniel Webster, who delivered his famous "Seventh of March" speech on this date in 1850. The speech advocated for sectional compromise on the issue of slavery and the legislation package now referred to as the Compromise of 1850. Learn more about this politician and the debate about slavery by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below. Daniel Webster image set Political cartoons … [Read more...]

Today in History: Idaho

Snake River Cañon, Idaho

Today in History–March 4–the Library of Congress features Idaho. On this date in 1863 President Lincoln signed an act creating Idaho Territory. The area burgeoned and was admitted to the Union as a state in 1890. Learn more about this gem of a state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to Idaho. Idaho stories from America’s Library Idaho primary source set Idaho maps Idaho books & other … [Read more...]

Today in History: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Longfellow

Today in History–February 27–the Library of Congress features poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born on this date in 1807 in Portland, Maine. Longfellow was considered a "new poet" in his day and was very popular both in the United States and abroad. Learn more about this artist and scholar by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below. "The Village Blacksmith" handwritten poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow & curator notes Books by Henry Wadsworth … [Read more...]