The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America

Today in History: The Call for Independence

Today in History–April 12–the Library of Congress features the first call for American independence, made by North Carolina on this day in 1776. Referred to as the “Halifax Resolves“, the document listed grievances against Great Britain and encouraged the Continental Congress to push for sovereignty. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related…

Pres. Richard Nixon tossing out baseball, at Senators' opening game with New York, Washington, D.C.

Today in History: Richard Nixon Visits China

Today in History–February 21–the Library of Congress features Richard Nixon, who began an eight-day visit to China on this day in 1972. President Nixon was the first U.S. president to visit the People’s Republic of China since its founding in 1949. Find out a bit more about U.S.-Chinese relations by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the…

Today in History: Uniform Presidential Election Day

Today in History: Uniform Presidential Election Day

Today in History–November 4–the Library of Congress features the passage of legislation on this day in 1845 requiring a uniform election day for President of the United States on the: “Tuesday next after the first Monday in the month of November of the year in which they are to be appointed.” The 1848 election was the first…

Today in History: First U.S. Daily Newspaper

Today in History: First U.S. Daily Newspaper

Today in History–September 21–the Library of Congress features the beginning of publication of the nation’s first daily newspaper, the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, on this day in 1784. Prior to 1784 the newspaper’s publisher, John Dunlap, had published a weekly newspaper. Dunlap’s shop had also printed the first broadside copies of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Continuing to serve…