Timely Connections: Border Spaces Across Time

Timely Connections: Border Spaces Across Time

In a blog post titled, “Comparing Primary Sources Depicting Border Spaces” Library of Congress 2019 Hispanic Division Junior Fellow Jaime Conlan provides insight into using historical and contemporary photographs to serve as an important entryway to discuss difficult issues relevant to the curriculum and, ultimately, to better understand Mexico/U.S. border space. Read the full blog…

Today in History: Hoover Dam

Today in History: Hoover Dam

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,…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Grand Canyon Tourist Map

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Grand Canyon Tourist Map

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…

Today in History: Grand Canyon

Today in History: Grand Canyon

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. Primary sources The physical geology…

Today in History: Arizona

Today in History: Arizona

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…

Today in History: Gold Discovered in California

Today in History: Gold Discovered in California

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 until after 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…

Today in History: The Gadsden Purchase

Today in History: The Gadsden Purchase

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…

Today in History: Postage Stamps

Today in History: Postage Stamps

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…