Today in History: Wyoming

Today in History: Wyoming

Today in History–December 10–the Library of Congress features Wyoming, which granted women the right to vote on this day in 1869 while still a U.S. territory. Three months later the first women jurors reported for duty in Laramie, attracting international attention. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture…

Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor

Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor

Today in History–December 7–the Library of Congress features the Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on this day in 1941. A hurried Navy dispatch sent out the news: AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL. More than 2,300 Americans were killed, 160 aircraft were destroyed, and 12 ships sank. The next day the United States declared…

Today in History: Washington Monument

Today in History: Washington Monument

Today in History–December 6–the Library of Congress features the Washington Monument, completed on this day in 1884. Construction began on July 4, 1848  but stopped for 20 years owing to a lack of funds. Construction was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under order from President Ulysses S. Grant.  The 555-foot, 5-1/8″ marble obelisk honors…

Today in History: Phi Beta Kappa

Today in History: Phi Beta Kappa

Today in History–December 5–the Library of Congress features America’s first university honor society, Phi Beta Kappa, founded on this day in 1776 at the College of William and Mary. Six years prior, the Governor of Virginia had proclaimed the intention to “give, annually, two gold medals for the honour and merit of literary achievement” to students of the…

Today in History: William “Boss” Tweed

Today in History: William “Boss” Tweed

Today in History–December 4–the Library of Congress features New York City politician William “Boss” Tweed, who escaped from jail on this day in 1875. As leader of New York City’s Democratic Party, Tweed and his Tammany Hall cronies stole millions of dollars from the city. A vigorous campaign to unseat Tweed was ultimately successful when he was tried and convicted on charges…

Today in History: The Gadsden Purchase

Today in History: The Gadsden Purchase

Today in History–December 30–the Library of Congress features the Gadsden Purchase (treaty), signed on this day in 1853. U.S. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis influenced President Franklin Pierce to send U.S. Minister James Gadsden to negotiate the treaty in order to obtain land for construction of a southern transcontinental railroad. Under the treaty, the United States…

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: Woodrow Wilson

Today in History: Woodrow Wilson

Today in History–December 28–the Library of Congress features Woodrow Wilson, born on this date in 1856. Learn more about our nation’s 28th president (1913-21) and Nobel peace prize winner by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about President Wilson. Woodrow Wilson Papers Woodrow Wilson books & articles Woodrow Wilson manuscripts Woodrow Wilson speeches…

Today in History: Radio City Music Hall

Today in History: Radio City Music Hall

Today in History–December 27–the Library of Congress features Radio City Music Hall, opened on this day in 1932. Learn more about the history of Art Deco theater by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below to for more primary sources. Radio City Music Hall Opened to the Public in New York Radio City Music Hall images Radio…

Today in History: Federal Reserve System

Today in History: Federal Reserve System

Today in History–December 23–the Library of Congress features the Federal Reserve System, created on this day in 1913 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Owen-Glass Act. The system, designed to formulate U.S. monetary policy, began operating in November, 1914. Learn more by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more related primary sources. Federal…