Today in History–April 15–the Library of Congress features the Continental Congress ratification of the preliminary articles of peace with Great Britain on this date in 1783. Negotiations to conclude the Revolutionary War had begun a year earlier. “International intrigue and intense negotiation preceded the formulation of these preliminary articles.” The final, formal treaty was signed on September 3, 1783…
Today in History–October 2–the Library of Congress features Revolutionary War officers Major John André and Brigadier General Benedict Arnold. On this day in 1780 André, a British intelligence officer, was hanged as a spy after being caught with papers concerning Arnold’s treasonous dealings. Only a short time before, the Continental army general had agreed to surrender West Point to the British in exchange…
Today in History–September 22–the Library of Congress features the Emancipation Proclamation. On this day in 1862, just over five months after signing an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary version of this historic act, which was officially proclaimed on January 1, 1863. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then…