The Library of Congress Digital Connections are filled with great ideas for primary source learning. Below we highlight an activity from the Civil War Maps Collection Connection. Historical Analysis and Interpretation In many cases the battles of the Civil War were fought by men unfamiliar with the area of the country in which they were…
Today in History–July 3–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Gettysburg, which ended on this date in 1863. This three-day battle was won by the Union, but at tremendous cost to both sides–over 51,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. Find out more about this battle in the Today in History section (see July 1 and July 2 as…
Today in History–July 2–the Library of Congress features James A. Garfield, who was shot on this day in 1881 not long after he became the 20th president of the United States. The gunshot didn’t kill Garfield, however, infection caused by doctors probing the president’s wound with unwashed hands did. Find out more the attempts to save President Garfield…
Today in History–June 29–the Library of Congress features politician Henry Clay, who died on this date in 1852. One of the chief architects of the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, Clay fought hard to preserve the Union and forestall a war between the states. Find out more by reviewing the Today in History section. Then click the…
Today in History–June 27–the Library of Congress features the Smithsonian Institution founded by James Smithson, who died on this date in 1829. A renowned British scientist, Smithson left the endowment to “increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” Find out more about the man and the institution that includes numerous museums and research centers in the Today in History section….
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 sources related to…
Today in History–June 25–the Library of Congress features Custer’s Last Stand, which occurred on this date in 1876. General George Armstrong Custer and 265 men under his command lost their lives in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Find out more about this battle in the Today in History section and access resources related to Little Bighorn and those who fought there through…
Today in History–June 22–the Library of Congress features the birth of the Progressive Party on this day in 1912. Led by Theodore Roosevelt, the Bull Moose Party promised to increase federal regulation and protect the welfare of ordinary citizens. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related resources. Bull Moose…
Today in History–June 21–the Library of Congress features the U.S. defeat of Japanese troops on Okinawa Island on this day in 1945. One of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War II, the battle for Okinawa claimed somewhere around 12,000 American and 110,000 Japanese lives. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below…
For baseball fans, there’s no more quintessential pastime then spending a delicious summer day at the park watching their favorite players slug it out. Some may say the delight at the ballpark depends on the final score of the favored team, but coming from a family of die-hard Chicago Cubs fans I can say that come what…
Today in History–June 19–the Library of Congress features the Statue of Liberty, which arrived in in New York Harbor on this day in 1885. The 151-foot-tall statue was a gift from France to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to this…
Today in History–June 18–the Library of Congress features Uncle Sam illustrator James Montgomery Flagg, born on this day in 1877. In addition to the iconic Uncle Sam, Flagg created dozens of posters supporting the war effort during World War I. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Flagg…