World Spotlight: China

World Spotlight: China

China primary sources from the World Digital Library collection China maps China books & other texts China: historical U.S. newspaper coverage China / Chinese: song recordings & oral histories China / Chinese: sheet music China: U.S. veteran’s stories China / Chinese films & webcasts Images of China Images of Chinese Chinese flutes artifact images U.S. legislation related to…

Today in History: Columbus, Georgia

Today in History: Columbus, Georgia

Today in History–February 19–the Library of Congress features Columbus, Georgia. On this date in 1917, future literary star Carson McCullers was born. Learn more about the city that influenced author Carson McCullers writing by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to the city of Columbus and the state of Georgia. Carson McCullers…

Today in History: Charleston, South Carolina

Today in History: Charleston, South Carolina

Today in History–February 18–the Library of Congress features Charleston, South Carolina, which surrendered control to Union forces on this date in 1865. Learn more about this southern city that played a leading role in the events leading up to the Civil War by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to numerous related primary sources. Charleston maps Charleston images Charleston…

Primary Source Spotlight: New Year’s

Primary Source Spotlight: New Year’s

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: A Visit from St. Nicholas

Today in History: A Visit from St. Nicholas

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: John Jay

Today in History: John Jay

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: Boll Weevil & Cotton

Today in History: Boll Weevil & Cotton

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: Wyoming

Today in History: Wyoming

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…

Today in History: Washington Monument

Today in History: Washington Monument

Today in History–December 6–the Library of Congress features the Washington Monument, completed on this day in 1884. Construction began on July 4, 1848  but stopped for 20 years owing to a lack of funds. Construction was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under order from President Ulysses S. Grant.  The 555-foot, 5-1/8″ marble obelisk honors…

Today in History: Mark Twain

Today in History: Mark Twain

Today in History–November 30–the Library of Congress features Mark Twain, born on this date in 1835 as Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Learn more about this masterful American writer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more Twain resources. Stories about Mark Twain America’s Library The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn web pageturner More books & articles by Mark Twain “A…