May 20, 2013

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...]

Featured Image: Diagram of the Federal Government & American Union

Diagram of the Federal Government and American Union by N. Mendal Shafer, attorney and counseller at law, office no. 5 Masonic Temple, Cincinnati

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Today in History: Wyoming

An Act to Grant to the Women of Wyoming Territory the Right of Suffrage and to Hold Office

Today in History–December 10–the Library of Congress features Wyoming, which granted women the right to vote on this day in 1869 while still a U.S. territory. Three months later the first women jurors reported for duty in Laramie, attracting international attention. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of this trailblazing state full of natural beauty and resources. Wyoming stories from … [Read more...]

Today in History: Illinois

Illinois: A descriptive and historical guide

Today in History—December 3—the Library of Congress features Illinois, which entered the Union as the 21st state on this day in 1818. Illinois is an Algonquin word meaning "tribe of superior men"; today the state is referred to as the Land of Lincoln and is one of the most populous of all the United States. Learn more about this midwestern hub by visiting the Today in History section, then gather more insights by delving into thousands of Illinois primary sources. Chicago primary … [Read more...]

Today in History: Vermont

Vermont [Pictorial envelope]

Today in History–July 9–the Library of Congress features Vermont, which revised its constitution on this day in 1793 and became the first state to prohibit slavery. Learn more about the "Green Mountain" state known for its independent-minded citizens by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source related to Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey. Interested in other cities and states? Find resources for Washington, … [Read more...]

Today in History: Atlantic City & New Jersey

Atlantic City, New Jersey c. 1900

Today in History–June 26–the Library of Congress features Atlantic City, New Jersey. On this day in 1879, the first stretch of the Atlantic City boardwalk opened, paving the way for this shoreline spot to become a premier resort destination. Learn more about the boardwalk by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source related to Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey. Interested in other cities and states? Find resources … [Read more...]

Today in History: Arkansas

Hot Springs, Arkansas. Bath houses

Today in History–June 15–the Library of Congress features Arkansas, which became the 25th state on this day in 1836. Over the years, this state has adopted many different nicknames, including the "Bear State", the "Wonder State", the "Land of Opportunity", and, most recently, the "Natural State". Learn more about Arkansas by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Interested in other cities and states? Find … [Read more...]

Today in History: Wisconsin

Apostle Islands, L[ake] S[uperior], Temple Gate

Today in History–May 29–the Library of Congress features Wisconsin, which became the 30th state in the Union on this day in 1848. Learn more about the “badger state” by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures about this midwestern state. Interested in other cities and states? Find resources for Washington, D.C., Kiska Island & Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, San Francisco & … [Read more...]

Today in History: Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby, racehorses racing to the finish line in the first race, held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky

Today in History–May 17–the Library of Congress features the Kentucky Derby, first run on this day in 1875. The oldest thoroughbred horse race in the United States, this famous event held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky was begun by Meriwether Lewis Clark, child of William Clark who named his son after his exploration partner Meriwether Lewis. Learn more about the race and and the state of Kentucky by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access … [Read more...]

Today in History: Minnesota

Minnesota City, evening on the mill pond

Today in History–May 11–the Library of Congress features Minnesota, which became the 32nd state in the Union on this day in 1858. Learn more about the "star of the north" also known as the "land of 10,000 lakes, by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures about this most northeastern state. Interested in other cities and states? Find resources for Washington, D.C., Kiska Island & … [Read more...]