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…
Today in History–December 22–the Library of Congress features Cornelius Alexander McGillicuddy, better known as Connie Mack, born on this date in 1862. This baseball hall of famer was a player, manager, and owner. Learn more about the “tall tactitian” and “grand old man of baseball” by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to see more of Mack…
Today in History–December 21–the Library of Congress features winter, as the winter solstice most frequently falls on this day each year. Learn more about the shortest day in the northern hemisphere and more fascinating frosty facts about the season by reading the Today in History section, then click the links below for loads of wintery primary source treasures and…
Today in History–December 20–the Library of Congress features the first American cotton mill, opened on this day in 1790. Learn more about the history of cotton mills in America by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. The First American Cotton Mill Began Operation from America’s Library Cotton mill image set…
Today in History–December 19–the Library of Congress features the capture of Old Fort Niagara on this day in 1813. Learn more about this battle between American and British forces in the War of 1812 by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below for primary sources related to the fabulous Niagara Falls and New York. Fort Niagara…
Today in History–December 16–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Nashville, won by Union forces on this day in 1864. Learn more about the battle by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the history and culture of Tennessee’s “Music City” through this collection of primary sources. Battle of Nashville:…
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–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–December 13–the Library of Congress features Dartmouth College, which obtained a royal charter on this day in 1769. One of the oldest colleges in the United States, this New Hampshire institution began humbly but is now considered one of the country’s top universities. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links to find more Dartmouth…
Today in History–December 12–the Library of Congress features Pennsylvania, which became the second state to ratify the U.S Constitution on this day in 1787, though it was not a unanimous decision. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of Pennsylvania through…
Today in History–December 9–the Library of Congress features Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche, who died on this date in 1971. This trailblazing U.S. diplomat took over as mediator of the Palestine mission in 1948 and successfully negotiated an end to the first Arab-Israeli War the following year. In addition to his work with the United Nations, Bunche served as…
Today in History–December 8–the Library of Congress features Louisiana, which ratified a new state constitution on this day in 1879, reorganizing the state judiciary and moving the state capital from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Did you know that Louisianians revised and passed new constitutions ten times from 1812-1921. Find out more about the history and culture of the…