Today in History–May 15–the Library of Congress features The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum, born on this day in 1856. Lyman Frank Baum was in his 40s by the time he became a bestselling author. Learn more about this writer and the extraordinary success of the Oz mass media franchise by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below…
Today in History–May 11–the Library of Congress features Minnesota, which became the 32nd state in the Union on this day in 1858. Learn more about the “star of the north” also known as the “land of 10,000 lakes”, by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Minnesota stories from America’s Library Minnesota primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Minnesota…
Today in History–May 10–the Library of Congress features the U.S. transcontinental railroad, celebrated on this day in 1869 when a symbolic golden spike was driven into the ground at Promontory Summit, in Utah Territory—approximately thirty-five miles away from Promontory Point, the site where the rails of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific were joined. This railroad connected the…
Today in History–May 9–the Library of Congress celebrates mothers. On this day in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, serving “as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources showcasing…
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–May 4–the Library of Congress features Bird Day, first celebrated on this day in 1894. Pennsylvania school superintendent Charles Almanzo Babcock initiated this celebration, in conjunction with Arbor Day, to help encourage conservation training, particularly among young people. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to birds. Bird Day:…
Today in History–April 26–the Library of Congress features Frederick Law Olmsted, born on this day in 1822. Find out more about this world famous landscape architect by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about Olmstead. Frederick Law Olmsted Papers Olmsted Associates Records Frederick Law Olmsted historical newspaper coverage Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic…
Today in History–April 25–the Library of Congress features the Spanish American War, declared on this date in 1898. Learn more about this short, decisive war by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to learn even more from primary sources. The World of 1898: The Spanish American War Spanish American War primary source set, includes teacher…
Today in History–April 24–the Library of Congress celebrates its own birthday. On this day in 1800, President John Adams approved a $5,000 appropriation to purchase “such books as may be necessary for the use of congress.” According to Thomas Jefferson, any book would be useful: ” . . . there is in fact no subject to which a member of…
Today in History–April 23–the Library of Congress features Stephen A. Douglas, born on this day in 1813. This politician, known as the “little giant”, served as a U.S. congressman, senator, and presidential candidate. Find out more about the man who went toe to toe with Abraham Lincoln by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about…
Today in History–April 13–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, born on this day in 1743. (Actually, he was born on April 2 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Find out more about this multitalented man…
Today in History–April 11–the Library of Congress features submarines. Although submarines were used as early as the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy acquired its first submarine on this day in 1900. Find out about the first submarine to sink a battleship and more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related…