Today in History–November 9–the Library of Congress features mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker, born on this day in 1731. This largely self-taught surveyor and scientist influenced how African Americans were viewed during the Federal period. Learn more about Banneker by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and other resources related to Banneker,…
Today in History–November 7–the Library of Congress features Hawaii, which ratified a state constitution on this day in 1950 (it officially became the 50th state on August 21, 1959). Find out more about the history and culture of the Crossroads of the Pacific by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more fabulous primary sources. Oahu Railway…
Today in History–November 2–the Library of Congress features South Dakota, which entered the Union as the 40th state on this day in 1889. Visit the Today in History section to learn about the history and culture of the “Mount Rushmore” state, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. South Dakota primary source set with Teacher’s Guide South Dakota maps…
Today in History–October 24–the Library of Congress features the transcontinental telegraph system was completed on this day in 1861, which signaled the rapid demise of the short-lived Pony Express. Learn more about these methods of long-distance communication by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more related primary sources. First Transcontinental Telegraph System Was Completed from America’s Library Telegraph…
Today in History–October 19–the Library of Congress features the surrender at Yorktown of British General Charles Cornwallis to General George Washington on this day in 1781. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about Cornwallis and the American Revolution. General Cornwallis primary source set Surrender of Yorktown primary source set Cornwallis surrender at Yorktown historical…
Today in History–October 18–the Library of Congress features Puerto Rico. On this date in 1898, American troops fighting in the Spanish-American War raised the United States flag in Puerto Rico formalizing U.S. control of this former Spanish colony. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources about this current U.S. commonwealth. Puerto Rico during the…
Today in History–October 10–the Library of Congress features the United States Naval Academy, which began its first term on this day in 1845. Learn more about the naval academy and the U.S. navy in the Today in History section then click the links below to access more navy-related primary sources. Naval Academy primary source set Naval Academy historical newspaper coverage Selected naval…
Today in History–October 3–the Library of Congress features Cherokee Chief John Ross, born on this day in 1790. Ross fought hard in Washington to preserve the Cherokee land but was ultimately unsuccessful. Learn more about his efforts by reviewing the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary resources and stories related to the Cherokee. Chief Little John…
Today in History–September 29–the Library of Congress features the official establishment of the U.S. military by Congress on this day in 1789. The act, spurred on by President George Washington, legalized the existing U.S. Army, a small force inherited from the Continental Congress that had been created under the Articles of Confederation. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then…
Today in History–September 16–the Library of Congress features El Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), first heard on this day in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla urged the largely Indian and mestizo congregation of his small Dolores parish church to fight for Mexico’s independence from Spain. Today, September 16, is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day. Find out more by…
Today in History–September 7–the Library of Congress features the Panama Canal. On this date in 1977 U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian Chief of Government Omar Torrijos signed the Panama Canal Treaty and Neutrality Treaty, which officially authorized the transfer of the canal’s authority from the United States to the Panama Canal Authority on December 31, 1999. Find…
Today in History–September 2–the Library of Congress features the Rock Springs massacre, which happened on this day in 1885 when a mob of white coal miners attacked their Chinese co-workers after they refused to participate in a strike for higher wages planned by the American miners. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below…