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—December 3—the Library of Congress features Illinois, which entered the Union as the 21st state on this day in 1818. Illinois is an Algonquin word meaning “tribe of superior men”; today the state is referred to as the Land of Lincoln and is one of the most populous of all the United States. Learn…
Today in History–November 30–the Library of Congress features Mark Twain, born on this date in 1835 as Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Learn more about this masterful American writer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more Twain resources. Stories about Mark Twain America’s Library The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn web pageturner More books & articles by Mark Twain “A…
Today in History–November 28–the Library of Congress features the Straits of Magellan. On this day in 1520, three ships under the command of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sailed into the “Sea of the South”. The fleet reached the island of Guam just four months later thanks to a remarkably smooth voyage that led the explorers to…
Today in History–November 26–the Library of Congress features Sojourner Truth, who died on this day in 1883. Born into slavery, Truth claimed her freedom and became a well known preacher, abolitionist, and women’s rights advocate. Learn more about this extraordinary woman by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below. Sojourner Truth image set Address by Sojourner Truth: Proceedings…
Today in History–November 23–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Chattanooga, which commenced on this day in 1863. During this three-day Civil War battle, Union forces drove Confederate troops into Georgia, setting the stage for Union General William T. Sherman’s triumphant march to the sea a year later. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
Today in History–November 22–the Library of Congress features musical theater star Lillian Russell, who made her debut at Tony Pastor’s Theatre in New York City on this date in 1880. Performing light opera and vaudeville shows, Russell had a successful career for nearly three decades. After, she devoted much of her time to politics. Learn more…
Today in History–November 20–the Library of Congress features Howard University, founded on this day in 1866. Originally established as a seminary for African-American clergymen, the founders soon broadened their mission to include liberal arts and medicine. The university was named for one of its founders, Major General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero and commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Find out…
Today in History–November 13–the Library of Congress features Montreal, Canada, captured on this day in 1775 by American troops led by General Richard Montgomery. The occupation was short-lived and Montgomery was killed a few weeks later in a failed attempt to capture Quebec. Fighting between the United States and Canada ended with the War of 1812….
Today in History–November 8–the Library of Congress features architect skyscrapers. On this day in 1906, cameraman Fred A. Dobson began filming The Skyscrapers of New York atop an uncompleted skyscraper at Broadway and 12th Street. To learn more about how engineering and architectural innovations in the mid-to-late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries transformed the skylines of American cities,…
Today in History–November 6–the Library of Congress features Jefferson Davis, elected president of the Confederate States of America on this day in 1861. Davis was a celebrated veteran of the Mexican War and served as secretary of war under Franklin Pierce. As a U.S. senator, Davis worked to keep the Union in tact but when his home state of Mississippi seceded,…
Today in History–November 5–the Library of Congress features James K. Polk, elected president of the United States on this day in 1844. Not so well known, Polk’s victory by a narrow margin over Whig candidate Henry Clay was a surprise. A proponent of western expansion, Polk oversaw the addition of Texas and the acquisition of territory…