Today in History: Robert R. Livingston

Today in History: Robert R. Livingston

Today in History–November 27–the Library of Congress features statesman Robert R. Livingston, born on this day in 1746. Born into a prominent New York family, Livingston was a politically active lawyer. He was on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence, helped draft New York’s first constitution, and served as minister to France at the…

Primary Source Learning: The Places You’ll Go with Maps

Primary Source Learning: The Places You’ll Go with Maps

The Library of Congress has custody of the largest and most comprehensive cartographic collection in the world and there are so many places you can visit with the Library of Congress’ fabulous digitized map collections. Take a look at the wide variety of maps you can explore in incredible detail and discover engaging primary source…

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: Thomas Jefferson Elected

Today in History: Thomas Jefferson Elected

Today in History–February 17–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, who was elected by the House of Representatives on this day in 1801. The House voted to break a tie in the Electoral College. Find out more about this acrimonious third presidential election by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary…

Today in History: Louisiana Purchase Treaty

Today in History: Louisiana Purchase Treaty

Today in History–October 20–the Library of Congress features the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, ratified by the Senate on this day in 1803. For many fascinating facts about this key purchase, visit the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about the Louisiana Purchase. The Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition primary source set with teacher’s…