Today in History–December 21–the Library of Congress features the Hoover Dam, which got its start when President Calvin Coolidge signed the Boulder Canyon Project Act on this date in 1928. Originally known as the Boulder Dam, this wonder of civil engineering distributes water from the Colorado River for use in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Learn more by reading the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. The … [Read more...]
Featured Source: Grand Canyon Tourist Map
February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
List the different data you find on this map (view larger image). Conduct research to compare the data from this map from 1977 with current information and statistics. What similarities and differences did you find? Investigate reasons for the change(s) in data; describe your findings. What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know! Related resources Today in History: Grand Canyon … [Read more...]
Today in History: Grand Canyon
February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 26–the Library of Congress features the Grand Canyon. On this date in 1919 Congress established Grand Canyon National Park in the state of Arizona. Learn more about this magnificent place, considered by many to be one of the earth's most spectacular natural wonders, by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below. Stories from America's Library The Grand Canyon Became a National Park Arizona's Grand Canyon Grand Canyon Mule Trail … [Read more...]
Today in History: Arizona
February 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 24–the Library of Congress features Arizona, which was organized as a separate territory on this day in 1863. Find out more about this southwestern state that gained U.S. statehood in 1912 by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the 48th state through a review of primary sources. Arizona stories from America’s Library Arizona primary source set Arizona maps Arizona books & … [Read more...]
Today in History: Gold Discovered in California
January 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–January 24–the Library of Congress features gold, discovered in California on this day in 1848. The discovery was first met with skepticism and the California gold rush did not begin in full receiving an endorsement from President James Polk in December, 1848. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover gold-related primary sources and other resources from across the Library. Teaching resources Featured Source: The Way They … [Read more...]
Today in History: The Gadsden Purchase
December 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 30–the Library of Congress features the Gadsden Purchase (treaty), signed on this day in 1853. U.S. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis influenced President Franklin Pierce to send U.S. Minister James Gadsden to negotiate the treaty in order to obtain land for construction of a southern transcontinental railroad. Under the treaty, the United States paid Mexico $10 million for land in what is now southern New Mexico and Arizona. Learn more by visiting … [Read more...]
Today in History: Postage Stamps
July 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 1–the Library of Congress features postage stamps. On July 1, 1847, the United States Post Office issued a five-cent stamp honoring Benjamin Franklin, the first postmaster general under the Continental Congress, and a ten-cent stamp honoring George Washington. Philatelists and the just plain curious can find more tantalizing tidbits by visiting the Today in History section, and clicking the links below for sorts of stamp sources. Postage stamp images Stamp … [Read more...]
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