The United States is a nation of immigrants, many of whom have served the country in times of need. Below you will find links to news articles about immigrant soldiers, historical background resources, and related primary sources and teaching resources. How does studying sources from the past inform your understanding of the contemporary debate surrounding immigrants in the U.S. armed forces? Congressional Activity The Impact of Current Immigration Policies on Service Members and … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Form & Function
April 19, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Take a close look at the collection of images above (.pdf). What common theme can you identify? Note similarities and differences between the images. Now take a look at the bibliographic records of each image by clicking the links below. What is the function of the main object in each image? Choose one of these and investigate how the object was used in the past and if it is still used today. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 What types of tasks can you envision the main … [Read more...]
Today in History: United States Military Academy at West Point
March 16, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–March 16–the Library of Congress features United States Military Academy at West Point, founded on this date in 1802. Located on the Hudson River north of New York City, West Point is one of the world's oldest military service academies and was attended by many of the nation's leading military commanders. The academy is well known for its high standards of discipline and scholarship, instituted early on by Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, superintendent at West Point from 1817 to … [Read more...]
Today in History: General John J. Pershing
July 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 15–the Library of Congress features General John J. Pershing, who died on this date in 1948. Pershing received a hero's burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting tribute to the only military leader since George Washington to earn the title General of the Armies of the United States. Find out more about this officer who led troops from the cavalry to World War I by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related … [Read more...]
Today in History: Yellow Fever
August 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–August 27–the Library of Congress features the discovery that mosquitos transmit yellow fever by U.S. Army physician James Carroll and pathologist Walter Reed on this day in 1900. The discovery was made because Carroll allowed allowed an infected mosquito to feed on him, resulting in severe yellow fever sickness. Learn more about yellow fever by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more related primary sources. U.S. Army Physicians … [Read more...]
Today in History: Zachary Taylor
May 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 8–the Library of Congress features Zachary Taylor, who led U.S. troops to defeat the Mexican army in a two-day battle at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma on this day in 1846. Two years later he became president of the United States but his term was short; he died in office after serving only 16 months. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about this general and 12th U.S. president. Illustrated … [Read more...]
Today in History: Ralph Bunche
December 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 9–the Library of Congress features Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche, who died on this date in 1971. This trailblazing U.S. diplomat took over as mediator of the Palestine mission in 1948 and successfully negotiated an end to the first Arab-Israeli War the following year. In addition to his work with the United Nations, Bunche served as a board member for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for 22 years. Learn more about this … [Read more...]
Today in History: Establishing U.S. Troops
September 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 29–the Library of Congress features the official establishment of the U.S. military by Congress on this day in 1789. The act, spurred on by President George Washington, legalized the existing U.S. Army, a small force inherited from the Continental Congress that had been created under the Articles of Confederation. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access troop-related primary sources. Legislation establishing U.S. … [Read more...]
Today in History: Andrew Jackson
August 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–August 9–the Library of Congress features Andrew Jackson, who signed the Treaty of Fort Jackson that ended the Creek War on this day in 1814. Jackson had a successful military career, and also served as a U.S. Representative, Senator, Tennessee Supreme Court Justice, and the seventh President of the United States. Learn more about this fiery leader by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources and primary sources. *NOTE: The image … [Read more...]
Benjamin Franklin born. Check out our 
San Franciscan Andrew Smith Hallidie patented an improved “Endless Wire Ropeway”. Check out our 