Today in History–May 23–the Library of Congress features Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. On this day in 1865 the Army of the Potomac paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue in celebration of the end of the Civil War. Just weeks before, mourners had watched Abraham Lincoln‘s funeral cortege pass by the same route. A march down Pennsylvania Avenue has been featured in every…
China primary sources from the World Digital Library collection China maps China books & other texts China: historical U.S. newspaper coverage China / Chinese: song recordings & oral histories China / Chinese: sheet music China: U.S. veteran’s stories China / Chinese films & webcasts Images of China Images of Chinese Chinese flutes artifact images U.S. legislation related to…
Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features cable cars. On this day in 1879, San Franciscan Andrew Smith Hallidie patented an improved “Endless Wire Ropeway”, which would become the cable-car system. San Francisco’s success with cable cars led to their introduction in cities across the country. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for primary sources related…
Today in History–January 1–the Library of Congress features Ellis Island. On this date in 1892 a fifteen-year old Irish girl named Annie Moore became the first person to pass through the doors of the Ellis Island Immigration Station. Between 1892 and 1954, more than 12 million immigrants, as many at 5,000 a day, passed through Ellis Island to start…
Today in History–December 26–the Library of Congress features Commodore George Dewey, born on this day in 1837. Dewey was the Pacific naval commander when the U.S. declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898. Less than a week later he became a national hero following the decisive and swift 6-hour destruction of the Spanish fleet in the…
Today in History–December 19–the Library of Congress features New York City’s Williamsburg Bridge, opened on this day in 1903. Built to alleviate traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge was the largest of three steel-frame suspension bridges to eventually span the city’s East River. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more…
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–September 06–the Library of Congress features President William McKinley, shot on this day in 1901 just six months after his second inauguration. President McKinley died eight days later, reportedly while singing his favorite hymn, “Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee“. Anarchist Leon Czolgosz is found guilty of assassinating the president and is executed less than two…
Today in History–June 14–the Library of Congress features Flag Day, which celebrates the adoption of the first design of the United States flag by the Continental Congress on this date in 1777. Did you know that there have been 27 official versions of the flag? Get more fascinating flag facts by visiting the Today in History section (see the April…
Today in History–June 1–the Library of Congress features the New York City police department, whose annual parade was filmed on this day in 1899. Learn more about “New York City’s Finest” by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover primary sources about police officers in New York City and other places. Films Police…
Today in History–May 3–the Library of Congress features the island of Jamaica, first spotted by Christopher Columbus on this day in 1494. This Caribbean nation won its independence from Great Britain in 1962 but is still a member of the British commonwealth. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to Jamaica….
Today in History–March 29–the Library of Congress features Niagara Falls. On this day in 1848 an ice dam stopped the Niagara Falls from flowing for more than 24 hours. Learn more about this event and the beauty of this natural wonder by reviewing the Today in History section, then clicking the primary source links below. Ice Dam at Niagara’s…