Today in History: Spanish American War

Today in History: Spanish American War

Today in History–April 25–the Library of Congress features the Spanish American War, declared on this date in 1898. Learn more about this short, decisive war by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to learn even more from primary sources. The World of 1898: The Spanish American War Spanish American War primary source set, includes teacher…

Today in History: Lincoln Shot!

Today in History: Lincoln Shot!

Today in History–April 14–the Library of Congress features the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who was shot on this day in 1865. Learn more about tragic day in United States history by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access secondary sources, all types of primary sources, and teaching resources related to the death of President Lincoln….

Today in History: Thomas Jefferson

Today in History: Thomas Jefferson

Today in History–April 13–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, born on this day in 1743.  (Actually, he was born on April 2 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Find out more about this multitalented man…

Today in History: The Call for Independence

Today in History: The Call for Independence

Today in History–April 12–the Library of Congress features the first call for American independence, made by North Carolina on this day in 1776. Referred to as the “Halifax Resolves“, the document listed grievances against Great Britain and encouraged the Continental Congress to push for sovereignty. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related…

Today in History: Submarines

Today in History: Submarines

Today in History–April 11–the Library of Congress features submarines. Although submarines were used as early as the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy acquired its first submarine on this day in 1900.  Find out about the first submarine to sink a battleship and more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related…

Today in History: First Arbor Day

Today in History: First Arbor Day

Today in History–April 10–the Library of Congress features Arbor Day, first celebrated by Nebraskans on this day in 1872.  Today people celebrate Arbor Day worldwide on the last Friday in April. Learn more about this holiday by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related primary sources. Arbor Day primary source set Arbor Day image…

Today in History: Lee Surrenders

Today in History: Lee Surrenders

Today in History–April 9–the Library of Congress features the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant on this day in 1865. Learn more about the surrender by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access thousands more Civil War resources. Lee’s surrender primary source set “THE END! SURRENDER OF LEE!…”,…

Today in History: National Park Service

Today in History: National Park Service

Today in History–April 5–the Library of Congress features the National Park Service (NPS), which was established in 1916 thanks to testimonies in support submitted to Congress on April 5 and 6. The NPS started by supervising 40 national parks and monuments and now supervises nearly 500. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…

Today in History: Ice Jam on the Niagara

Today in History: Ice Jam on the Niagara

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…

Today in History: The Brewer & Baseball

Today in History: The Brewer & Baseball

Today in History–March 28–the Library of Congress features brewing magnate and baseball team owner August Anheuser Busch Jr., born on this day in 1899. As CEO of the Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Busch convinced the company board of directors to purchase the St. Louis Cardinals team, halting the team’s move to another city. Learn more about Busch and baseball by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links…

Today in History: Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.

Today in History: Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.

Today in History–March 21–the Library of Congress features showman Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., born on this day in 1869 (or, possibly, 1867). Learn more about this entertainment impresario who produced the Ziegfeld Follies by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to Ziegfeld and the theater. Ziegfeld images Florenz Ziegfeld historical newspaper coverage Ziegfeld Follies historical newspaper…

Today in History: William Jennings Bryan

Today in History: William Jennings Bryan

Today in History–March 19–the Library of Congress features William Jennings Bryan, born on this day in 1860. Famous for his oratorical skills, Bryan served two terms as a U.S. representative then ran for president three times. Although unsuccessful, he did serve as President Woodrow Wilson’s Secretary of State. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below…