Today in History: Nathanael Greene

Today in History: Nathanael Greene

Today in History–August 7–the Library of Congress features Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, born on this day in 1742. A West Point commander, Green replaced the disgraced Benedict Arnold and played a significant part in the defeat of British General Lord Cornwallis at Cowpens, South Carolina.  Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…

Today in History: Olympic Games

Today in History: Olympic Games

Today in History–July 30–the Library of Congress features the Olympic Games, which opened on this day in 1932 in Los Angeles, California. It was the tenth Olympiad of the modern era and the first to have an Olympic Village where athletes were housed and fed. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary…

Today in History: Althea Gibson & Tennis

Today in History: Althea Gibson & Tennis

Today in History–July 6–the Library of Congress features Althea Gibson, who won the women’s singles title at Wimbledon  on this date in 1957. This tennis star fought hard against racism just for the right to compete. In addition to more Wimbledon singles and doubles titles, Gibson won U.S. Nationals titles as well as French and Italian Open…

Today in History: James Smithson & the Smithsonian Institution

Today in History: James Smithson & the Smithsonian Institution

Today in History–June 27–the Library of Congress features the Smithsonian Institution founded by James Smithson, who died on this date in 1829. A renowned British scientist, Smithson left the endowment to “increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” Find out more about the man and the institution that includes numerous museums and research centers in the Today in History section….

Today in History: The White House

Today in History: The White House

Today in History–October 13–the Library of Congress features the White House, celebrating the date in 1792 when the first cornerstone was laid.  Learn more about the Executive mansion by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about the United States presidential home. White House Expense List, Thomas Jefferson, April 19, 1809…