Today in History: The Emancipation Proclamation

Today in History: The Emancipation Proclamation

Today in History–September 22–the Library of Congress features the Emancipation Proclamation. On this day in 1862, just over five months after signing an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary version of this historic act, which was officially proclaimed on January 1, 1863. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then…

Today in History: Detective Allan Pinkerton

Today in History: Detective Allan Pinkerton

Today in History–August 25–the Library of Congress features Allan Pinkerton, born on this day in 1819.  A dedicated abolitionist, Pinkerton had a shop that was a “station” for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad but his detective career began by chance when he unwittingly discovered then knowingly helped nab two sets of counterfeiters. Find out more about the crime-busting exploits of this Private Eye…