Market Street, San Francisco, Cal.

Today in History: Cable Cars

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: Benjamin Franklin

Today in History: Benjamin Franklin

Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features innovative leader Benjamin Franklin, born on this date in 1706. Learn more about this fascinating self-educated man who was a printer, writer, scientist, and statesman by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Ben Franklin. Benjamin Franklin Papers The select works of Benjamin Franklin; including his autobiography 1857 Benjamin…