Today in History–November 13–the Library of Congress features Montreal, Canada, captured on this day in 1775 by American troops led by General Richard Montgomery. The occupation was short-lived and Montgomery was killed a few weeks later in a failed attempt to capture Quebec. Fighting between the United States and Canada ended with the War of 1812….
Today in History–November 8–the Library of Congress features architect skyscrapers. On this day in 1906, cameraman Fred A. Dobson began filming The Skyscrapers of New York atop an uncompleted skyscraper at Broadway and 12th Street. To learn more about how engineering and architectural innovations in the mid-to-late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries transformed the skylines of American cities,…
Today in History–November 6–the Library of Congress features Jefferson Davis, elected president of the Confederate States of America on this day in 1861. Davis was a celebrated veteran of the Mexican War and served as secretary of war under Franklin Pierce. As a U.S. senator, Davis worked to keep the Union in tact but when his home state of Mississippi seceded,…
Today in History–November 5–the Library of Congress features James K. Polk, elected president of the United States on this day in 1844. Not so well known, Polk’s victory by a narrow margin over Whig candidate Henry Clay was a surprise. A proponent of western expansion, Polk oversaw the addition of Texas and the acquisition of territory…
Today in History–November 2–the Library of Congress features North Dakota, which entered the Union as the 39th state on this day in 1889. Visit the Today in History section to learn about the history and culture of the “Peace Garden” state, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. North Dakota primary source set with teacher’s guide North Dakota resource guide…
Today in History–October 25–the Library of Congress features Abigail Adams, who was married to John Adams on this day in 1764. Abigail Adams was well educated and her husband frequently discussed political issues with her. Learn more about this famous first lady and first mother who was also a staunch supporter of women’s rights by visiting the Today in History section,…
Today in History–October 24–the Library of Congress features the United Nations. On this day in 1945 the U.N. charter was ratified. Derived from the 1942 Declaration by United Nations—26 nations pledged to continue fighting against the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) in World War II—the final U.N. charter was signed by 51 member countries. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then…
Today in History–October 22–the Library of Congress features New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, which opened its doors on this day in 1883. In addition to staging operas, the Met and other opera houses also hosted charity events, community dances, fairs, plays, vaudeville shows, and even funerals. Find out more about this prestigious cultural institution by visiting the Today in History section, then click the…
Today in History–October 16–the Library of Congress features John Brown, who led a raid of Harper’s Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia) on this day in 1859, seizing the town’s United States arsenal and rifle works and taking 60 prominent locals hostage. The group hoped to spark a rebellion of freed slaves and to lead an “army of emancipation.” The group…
Today in History–October 10–the Library of Congress features Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, which opened on this day in 1850. The 184.5-mile C&O canal connected Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland and took 22 years to complete (ground was broken on the same day as the B&O Railroad). Find out more about the history of early river transportation by visiting the Today in History section, then click…
Today in History–October 9–the Library of Congress features Yale University, which received a charter from the Connecticut colonial legislature (as the Collegiate School in Saybrook) on this day in 1701. The school moved to New Haven in 1716, and was renamed Yale College in 1718 in honor of Elihu Yale, a merchant and early benefactor. Find out more about this prestigious university by visiting the Today in History section,…
Today in History–October 8–the Library of Congress features the great Chicago fire, which began on this day in 1871. The fire took at least 300 lives, left nearly a third of the city’s residents homeless, and leveled more than 18,000 structures (Encyclopedia of Chicago). Learn more about this fire and others that burnt on the same day in Michigan and…