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….
Today in History–April 19–the Library of Congress features the song Yankee Doodle, which the colonials are said to have sung as they forced the British back to Boston on this day in 1775. Learn more about this song and the Lexington & Concord skirmishes by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related primary sources. The…
Today in History–March 6–the Library of Congress remembers the Alamo, which was recaptured by Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on this day in 1836. An estimated 1,000 to 1,600 Mexican soldiers died in the the 13-day siege and all 189 Texan defenders officially listed were killed. Learn more about the circumstances that helped Texas forces to gain independence from…
Today in History–February 23–the Library of Congress features the Mexican American War. On this day in 1847 U.S. General Zachary Taylor was victorious over Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in the Battle of Buena Vista. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover more about this war between the U.S. and its…
Integrating primary sources into the social studies curriculum doesn’t take a quantum leap of imagination, but can you imagine how they could be paired with math? Numerous teachers who have gone through Teaching with Primary Sources programs delivered by TPS consortium members, have done just that. Intrigued? Check out their formulas for mathematical learning by…
Today in History–October 19–the Library of Congress features the surrender at Yorktown of British General Charles Cornwallis to General George Washington on this day in 1781. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about Cornwallis and the American Revolution. General Cornwallis primary source set Surrender of Yorktown primary source set Cornwallis surrender at Yorktown historical…
Today in History–August 30–the Library of Congress features the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas), which ended this date in 1862 with a retreat of Union forces after three days of fighting. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access numerous primary sources and teaching resources related to Bull Run and the…
Today in History–July 21–the Library of Congress features the first Battle of Bull Run, which began on this date in 1861. Find out more in the Today in History section, then access numerous primary sources and other teaching and learning resources related to Bull Run and the Civil War through the links below. Bull Run images Bull Run maps Bull Run…
Have students collaborate to compare U.S. newspaper coverage of the Battle of Little Bighorn with eyewitness accounts from Native Americans who were there. Ask them to compare descriptions of the battle as well as characterizations of opposing forces. Remind students to look for and note differences in tone, particularly as defined by word choice. You…
Today in History–June 17–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was fought on this day in 1775 in Boston, Massachusetts. Find out more in the Today in History section and through the links below. Battle of Bunker Hill maps Battle of Bunker Hill images Battle of Bunker Hill sheet music Bunker Hill (song recording)…