Today in History–January 2–the Library of Congress features the central American country of Nicaragua. On this date in 1933 the United States Marine Corps withdrew from Nicaragua after maintaining a presence there for more than 20 years. Learn some more about this U.S.-Nicaraguan connection by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related primary sources. Nicaragua country study (history, culture,…
Today in History–January 1–the Library of Congress features Ellis Island. On this date in 1892 a fifteen-year old Irish girl named Annie Moore became the first person to pass through the doors of the Ellis Island Immigration Station. Between 1892 and 1954, more than 12 million immigrants, as many at 5,000 a day, passed through Ellis Island to start…
New Year images The day after short film New Year song recordings New Year sheet music New Year books & other texts New Year’s books & articles New Year’s Eve historical newspaper coverage New Year’s Day historical newspaper coverage Select historical newspaper articles: Mummer’s New Year Parade (modern-day Mummer’s Parade info) Library New Year’s blog…
Today in History–December 27–the Library of Congress features temperance zealot Carrie Nation, who smashed the bar at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas on this day in 1900. Abandoning the nonviolent agitation of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, Nation argued that destroying saloons was an acceptable way to battle the liquor trade. To learn more about why Nation and many…
Today in History–December 26–the Library of Congress features Commodore George Dewey, born on this day in 1837. Dewey was the Pacific naval commander when the U.S. declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898. Less than a week later he became a national hero following the decisive and swift 6-hour destruction of the Spanish fleet in the…
Today in History–December 24–the Library of Congress features the famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” penned by Clement C. Moore on this day in 1822. Today the poem is best known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Find out more about Moore and his famous tale by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
Today in History–December 21–the Library of Congress features saxophonist Louis Jordan, debuted two popular singles on rhythm and blues (R&B) charts on this date in 1946. With a style that combined jazz and blues, Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five launched 54 singles in the 1940s, 18 of which songs reached number one. Learn more about this talented musician…
Today in History–December 19–the Library of Congress features New York City’s Williamsburg Bridge, opened on this day in 1903. Built to alleviate traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge was the largest of three steel-frame suspension bridges to eventually span the city’s East River. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more…
Today in History–December 17–the Library of Congress features the first flights of the Wright brothers, flown on this day in 1903. Orville piloted the first flight that lasted 12 seconds and 120 feet and Wilbur piloted the fourth and final flight, remaining airborne for 59 seconds and traveling 852 feet. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click…
Today in History–December 12–the Library of Congress features founding father John Jay, born on this day in 1745. Jay had a long, full political career including president of the Continental Congress, author of several Federalist Papers, and first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Learn more about John Jay by visiting the Today in History section, then click…
Today in History–December 11–the Library of Congress features the boll weevil, a cotton crop destroying insect which was honored by the town of Enterprise, Alabama on this day in 1919. Why? Because although the pest devastated the area’s cotton fields, residents were forced to end their dependence on cotton and to pursue mixed farming and…
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…