Colonial Settlement1600s – 1763 The American Revolution 1763 – 83 The New Nation1783-1815 National Expansion & Reform1815-80 Civil War & Reconstruction1861-77 Rise of Industrial America1876-1900 Progressive Era to New Era1900-29 Great Depression & WW II1929-45 The Post War United States1945-68 Congressional Documents1774-1873 U.S. History by Time Period primary source sets
Today in History–May 9–the Library of Congress features the first political cartoon published in the United States on this day in 1754. The “Join or Die” cartoon, purportedly devised by Benjamin Franklin, provided commentary on the need for the colonies to join together against French and Native American aggression along the western frontier. Learn more by visiting…
This is a guest post from Alissa Oginsky, a museum educator and 6th-grade history teacher at Holmes Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia. Teachers are always on the hunt for new and exciting ways for students to exercise their critical and creative thinking skills. The journey, in fact, never seems to stop! Like many history teachers…
Today in History–June 4–the Library of Congress features Fort Necessity near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. On this date in 1754, the young Colonel George Washington and his troops were hard at work constructing the makeshift stronghold to protect themselves from French aggression. Less than a month later, however, Washington and his troops were surrounded and forced to surrender to French troops on…
Today in History–November 26–the Library of Congress features Thanksgiving, designated by President George Washington on this date in 1789. Seventy-four years later, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation that declared the last Thursday in November national Thanksgiving Day. Learn more about U.S. Thanksgiving traditions by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more…
Today in History–November 14–the Library of Congress features the Library Company of Philadelphia, which signed a contract with its first librarian on this date in 1732. The subscription library was actually founded in November 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and friends but they had to wait until books arrived from England. The Library Company’s holdings were later made available to the…
Today in History–October 14–the Library of Congress features the religious and social reformer William Penn, born on this day in 1644. Having no luck in his campaign for religious freedom for Quakers and others in England, Penn received an American land grant in payment of a debt owed his father. He named the colony Pennsylvania in honor of…
Today in History–May 29–the Library of Congress features colonial politician Patrick Henry, born on this day in 1736. Henry subscribed to the political theory that humans are born with certain inalienable rights, an idea that is central to the Declaration of Independence, and was renowned for his speaking abilities. Learn more about this fiery orator by visiting the Today in…
Today in History–July 20–the Library of Congress features Anne Marbury Hutchinson, baptized on this day in 1591 (according to the Old, or Julian, Calendar). This well-educated daughter of an outspoken clergyman silenced for criticizing the Church of England emigrated to the American colonies where she was later persecuted for her own outspoken religious beliefs. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click…
Today in History–June 7–the Library of Congress features Daniel Boone, who laid eyes on the woodlands of modern-day Kentucky on this day in 1769. He arrived there after ignoring a British ban on westward migration. Find out more about this famous frontiersman known for his coonskin cap by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related resources. The…
Today in History–May 14–the Library of Congress features Jamestown, Virginia, established on this day in 1607. The first winter was harsh and after eight months, only 60 of the 214 pioneers were still alive. By September of 1608, John Smith became a leader of Jamestown and the colony began to flourish. Learn more about the ups and downs of…