Today in History–July 16–the Library of Congress features Washington D.C. It’s designation as the United States capital city was assured on this date in 1790 with the signing of the Residence Act. Learn more about the planning of this singular city by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Primary source…
Home on the Range (.mp3) Today in History–July 14–the Library of Congress features novelist Owen Wister, born on this day in 1860, whose 1902 novel The Virginian helped create the myth of the American cowboy. Click on the image above to zoom into key scenes from the novel highlighted on this literary map, then visit the Today in History section to learn…
Today in History–July 11–the Library of Congress features the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that took place on this date in 1804 and resulted in the death of Hamilton. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to learn more about these two men and the once-legal…
Today in History–July 8–the Library of Congress features the Great Depression, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to its lowest point on this day in 1932. During the Great Depression many families lost their homes because they could not pay their mortgages so they sought alternative forms of shelter. Groups of these makeshift houses were often…
Today in History–July 7–the Library of Congress features the Solomon Islands, which became an independent nation on this day in 1978. Learn more about this far-out place by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more related resources. Solomon Islands background information Places in the News Solomon Islands country profile BBC Solomon Islands timeline BBC…
Today in History–July 5–the Library of Congress features Phineas Taylor Barnum, born on this day in 1810. Did you know that Barnum and Bailey’s circus pigs were trained to play the xylophone? Uncover more curious curiosities by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to grab more circus primary source goodies. Phineas Taylor Barnum Was Born from…
Today in History–July 1–the Library of Congress features postage stamps. On July 1, 1847, the United States Post Office issued a five-cent stamp honoring Benjamin Franklin, the first postmaster general under the Continental Congress, and a ten-cent stamp honoring George Washington. Philatelists and the just plain curious can find more tantalizing tidbits by visiting the Today in History section, and clicking the…