The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, or the Attack on Greenwood, was, and remains, one of the bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence in U.S. history. The incident began with the arrest of a young black man on May 31, was incited by an inflammatory report in the May 31 edition of the Tulsa Tribune, and ended around 24 hours later after white rioters looted and burned the prosperous black community on June 1. In the aftermath, dozens of city blocks were razed, hundreds killed, and thousands left … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: A Preacher Tries Farming
November 16, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The page shown above comes from a transcript of a 1930s oral history interview with George Strester who remembers a memorable Thanksgiving time when his father, a preacher, tried farming in Nebraska in 1873. Click the links below to browse through some related images, then read Strester's whole story. Describe how the images enhanced your understanding of the story. young family, near Woods Park, Custer County, Nebraska sod house near Woods Park, Custer County, Nebraska Mrs. Debusk, … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: The Carpet-bagger
September 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Read this brief description of carpetbaggers and scalawags from History.com. Next review this Encyclopedia of Virginia entry on Benjamin F. Butler, being sure to read at least the introductory paragraph as well as the first paragraph under the New Orleans header. Now look closely at the cover of this sheet music. Describe the perspective of carpetbaggers that you think this song takes and provide reasons for your conclusion. If possible, get someone to play the tune then closely read through … [Read more...]
Today in History: The Rough Riders
July 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 1–the Library of Congress features the rough riders. On this day in 1898 these voluntary cavalrymen, led by Theodore Roosevelt, helped to secure a U.S. victory in the Battle of Santiago, the decisive battle of the short-lived Spanish-American War. The rough riders stormed Kettle Hill, then joined in the capture of the San Juan Hill complex in Cuba. Find out more about these soldiers who captured the attention of the American public by visiting the Today in History section, … [Read more...]
Learning from the Source: Digital Stories of Our Heroes
May 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Engage students with a real-world activity that has them learning about U.S. history while adding to the collective American memory. This project allows students to learn and use interview and digital presentation skills to discover, elicit, and relate the stories of local veterans and others who contributed during times of conflict. To complete this project, students will . . . visit the Library of Congress website and other websites to familiarize themselves with the time period or … [Read more...]
Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor
December 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 7–the Library of Congress features the Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on this day in 1941. A hurried Navy dispatch sent out the news: AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL. More than 2,300 Americans were killed, 160 aircraft were destroyed, and 12 ships sank. The next day the United States declared war on Japan. Learn more about this fateful day in U.S. history by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access … [Read more...]
Today in History: Brigham Young & the Mormon Pioneers
July 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 24–the Library of Congress features Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers, who arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah on this day in 1847. The weary group was happy to find their "promised land" after traveling some 1,000 miles from the Mormon settlement in Nauvoo, Illinois. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to this religious group and its founder. Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers … [Read more...]
Today in History: Vermont
July 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
![Vermont [Pictorial envelope]](https://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/vermont-110x110.jpg)
Today in History–July 9–the Library of Congress features Vermont, which revised its constitution on this day in 1793 and became the first state to prohibit slavery. Learn more about the "Green Mountain" state known for its independent-minded citizens by visiting the Today in History section, then following the links below to access more primary sources. Vermont stories from America’s Library Vermont primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Vermont images "Visitin' 'round at Coolidge … [Read more...]
Today in History: Battle of Gettysburg
July 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 3–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Gettysburg, which ended on this date in 1863. This three-day battle was won by the Union, but at tremendous cost to both sides--over 51,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. Find out more about this battle in the Today in History section (see July 1 and July 2 as well), then click the links below to access more primary sources related to this Civil War battle. Letter, Gen. James Longstreet to Col. Edward P. Alexander; and … [Read more...]
Today in History: Atlantic City
June 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–June 26–the Library of Congress features Atlantic City, New Jersey. On this day in 1879, the first stretch of the Atlantic City boardwalk opened, paving the way for this shoreline spot to become a premier resort destination. Learn more about the boardwalk by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources related to this city on the sea. The Atlantic City boardwalk from America's Library Atlantic City boardwalk historical … [Read more...]
Politician John Peter Altgeld born. Check out our 
Gadsden Purchase (treaty) signed. Check out our 