Col. Fremont planting the American standard on the Rocky Mountains

Today in History: John C. Frémont

Today in History–January 31–the Library of Congress features John C. Frémont, who was court-martialed on grounds of mutiny and disobeying orders on this day in 1848. This decision was later reversed by President James Polk and did little to thwart the progress of this explorer turned politician known as the “pathfinder”.  Learn more about the extraordinary fortunes…

Today in History: Kansas

Today in History: Kansas

Today in History–January 29–the Library of Congress features Kansas, which entered the Union as a free state on this day in 1861. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the “Sunflower state” through the review of primary sources. Kansas stories from America’s Library Kansas primary source set with…

Today in History: John Hancock

Today in History: John Hancock

Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features John Hancock, born on this date in 1737. Best known for his big, bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, you can learn more about this Massachusetts politician and key member of the Continental Congresses by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources. John…

Today in History: Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Today in History: Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Today in History–January 20–the Library of Congress features Franklin Delano Roosevelt, inaugurated as U.S. President in January on this day in 1937. This was the first inauguration held in January but FDR’s second of four inaugurations, his first was held on March 4, 1933. Find out more about the longest serving president in our nation’s history by visiting the Today…

Today in History: Benjamin Franklin

Today in History: Benjamin Franklin

Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features innovative leader Benjamin Franklin, born on this date in 1706. Learn more about this fascinating self-educated man who was a printer, writer, scientist, and statesman by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Ben Franklin. Benjamin Franklin Papers The select works of Benjamin Franklin; including his autobiography 1857 Benjamin…

Today in History: Alice Paul

Today in History: Alice Paul

Today in History–January 11–the Library of Congress features suffragist leader Alice Paul, born on this date in 1885. Learn more about the National Woman’s Party by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Alice Paul and the woman suffrage movement. Alice Paul images Alice Paul timeline and select newspaper articles More historical newspaper coverage of Alice…

Today in History: Harry S. Truman

Today in History: Harry S. Truman

Today in History–January 5–the Library of Congress features Harry S. Truman, who announced his “Fair Deal” reform package on this date in 1949. Learn more about our nation’s 33rd president (1945-52) and key aspects of his presidency by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about President Truman. Truman Announced A Fair Deal from…

Today in History: Andrew Johnson

Today in History: Andrew Johnson

Today in History–December 29–the Library of Congress features Andrew Johnson, born on this date in 1808. Learn more about our nation’s 17th president (1865-69), a self-educated career politician and infamous for being the first of three presidents impeached by the House of Representatives by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more stories and primary…

Today in History: The Bill of Rights

Today in History: The Bill of Rights

Today in History–December 15–the Library of Congress features the Bill of Rights, ratified on this day in 1791. Did you know that, originally, 12 amendments were proposed? The original first amendment dealt with the number of people each congressional district should have and the second with congressional pay; neither was ratified but the latter did become…

Today in History: George Washington Dies

Today in History: George Washington Dies

Today in History–December 14–the Library of Congress features George Washington, who died on this date in 1799 at his Mount Vernon home. Learn more about our nation’s first president (1789-97) by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about the death of this founding father. George Washington Died at His…

Today in History: Salmon P. Chase

Today in History: Salmon P. Chase

Today in History–December 6–the Library of Congress features Salmon P. Chase, nominated as Supreme Court Chief Justice by President Abraham Lincoln on this day in 1864. Learn more about the architect of the first two clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment who also served as Governor of Ohio, a U.S. Senator, and Lincoln’s secretary of the treasury, by…

Today in History: Martin Van Buren

Today in History: Martin Van Buren

Today in History–December 5–the Library of Congress features Martin Van Buren, born on this date in 1782. Learn more about our nation’s 8th president (1837-41), also known as “The Little Magician” and the “Red Fox of Kinderhook” for his skill in political manipulation, by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary…