Grand Canyon

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Grand Canyon Tourist Map

List the different data you find on this map (view larger image). Conduct research to compare the data from this map from 1977 with current information and statistics. What similarities and differences did you find? Investigate reasons for the change(s) in data; describe your findings. What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let…

Grand Canyon panorama, Arizona

Today in History: Grand Canyon

Today in History–February 26–the Library of Congress features the Grand Canyon. On this date in 1919 Congress established Grand Canyon National Park in the state of Arizona. Learn more about this magnificent place, considered by many to be one of the earth’s most spectacular natural wonders, by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below. Primary sources The physical geology…

Spirit of Northwest Territory Alliance pose for inspection in front of the George Rogers Clark Memorial

Today in History: Indiana

Today in History–February 25–the Library of Congress features the British surrender of Fort Sackville at Vincennes, Indiana on this date in 1779. Despite a 1763 prohibition against western settlement, colonists had continued to travel to Indiana and other areas west of the Appalachians. Learn more about the defense of Fort Sackville by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links…

Perspective map of Columbus, Ga., 1886

Today in History: Columbus, Georgia

Today in History–February 19–the Library of Congress features Columbus, Georgia. On this date in 1917, future literary star Carson McCullers was born. Learn more about the city that influenced author Carson McCullers writing by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to the city of Columbus and the state of Georgia. Carson McCullers…

Charleston, S.C. View of ruined buildings through porch of the Circular Church

Today in History: Charleston, South Carolina

Today in History–February 18–the Library of Congress features Charleston, South Carolina, which surrendered control to Union forces on this date in 1865. Learn more about this southern city that played a leading role in the events leading up to the Civil War by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to numerous related primary sources. Charleston maps Charleston images Charleston…

American presidents - first hundred years - 1776 1876

Primary Source Spotlight: U.S. Presidents

Teaching resources: primary source lesson plans, activities & strategies Presidential Spotlight: primary source collections More president related primary source collections Library collections American Treasures of the Library of Congress Online exhibitions Spotlights, features & special presentations Library of Congress blog posts Webcast recordings

Tower Falls and Sulphur Mountain, Yellowstone

Today in History: Thomas Moran

Today in History–February 12–the Library of Congress features painter Thomas Moran, born on this date in 1837. In 1871 Moran joined a scientific exploration of lands along the Yellowstone River headed by Ferdinand V. Hayden. Moran’s paintings, together with photographer William Henry Jackson’s photographs, helped spur public interest in the area and convince Congress to set aside the Yellowstone area as a…

The Red flag or the anarchists of Chicago

Guided Primary Source Analysis: The Red Flag or the Anarchists of Chicago

Using only specific details from this primary source, what type of person is an anarchist? Use the Primary Source Nexus search bar to find out more about the Chicago anarchists. Describe three things you learned and two things you would like to learn more about. There is a post on the Primary Source Nexus that features…

Emma Goldman, facing the camera

Today in History: Anarchist Emma Goldman

Today in History–February 11–the Library of Congress features anarchist and feminist Emma Goldman, who was arrested on this date in 1916 right before she was to give a lecture on family planning. A Russian immigrant, Goldman joined the labor movement after working in a New York garment factory. Later she would embrace anarchism–the political belief that all…

The Birth of a Nation Poster

Today in History: The Birth of a Nation

Today in History–February 8–the Library of Congress features the controversial silent film, The Birth of a Nation, which premiered on this day in 1915. Although the film advanced the art of cinema, it did so by telling a story with a skewed, racist vision of U.S. history. Protested by many, the film was ultimately a great commercial success….