Zoom into this map (online | .pdf). How many states do you see? Describe the differences between this 1833 map and a current map of the United States. What impression of the United States do you get from this map? Explain your reaction. Then use details from the source to explain what might have been the…
Today in History–September 15–the Library of Congress features writer Robert Penn Warren, who died on this date in 1989. A novelist and poet who won a Pulitzer Prize for his novel All the Kings Men and two Pulitzers for his poetry, Warren was also a teacher, critic. He also served as poetry consultant for the Library from 1944-45 and as…
Our National Bird In Custodia Legis blog November 27, 2015 American eagle image set Bald eagle image set American eagle sheet music American eagle march streaming song recording The American eagle against the British lion! 1844 broadside Historical American newspaper mentions: American eagle Contemporary U.S. legislation related to the American eagle The Bald Eagle, Creature of Nature…
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Today in History–September 10–the Library of Congress features Captain John Smith, who assumed the presidency of the Jamestown governing council on this date in 1608. Smith helped the colony to survive and thrive during its early years by fortifying the settlement, exploring and documenting the Chesapeake region, and establishing relations with area Native Americans. Learn more about this explorer, writer, and cartographer by visiting…
What is the setting of this political cartoon? What details in the source support your conclusion? How is the consumer depicted in this cartoon? How do the coal strikers compare to the trusts? What details in the source support your conclusions? Gov. Osborn is literally jumping on the “Taft bandwagon” in the cartoon. What does this…
Today in History–September 08–the Library of Congress features the Quarry Workers’ International Union of North America, which was granted a charter by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) on this date in 1903. While granite had been mined around the area of Barre, Vermont for years, new waves of immigrants with a strong tradition of unionism arrived in the late 19th…
Today in History–September 04–the Library of Congress features El Pueblo de la Reyna de Los Angeles (The Town of the Queen of the Angels) founded on this day in 1781. Located between the San Gabriel Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles remained independent until it was taken in a bloodless effort by U.S. forces during the Mexican…
Today in History–September 3–the Library of Congress features architect Louis H. Sullivan, born on this day in 1856 in Boston, Massachusetts. Sullivan moved to Chicago early in his career in 1873. After the great Chicago fire of 1871 there was much work to do and Sullivan became a pioneer in the design of skyscrapers known for his core philosophy that…
What are the children doing in this photo? Be specific and use details from the image to support your conclusions. Compare and contrast this classroom with yours. What are the similarities and differences? Look at this image of where the children gather before school. What do you notice? Read the source record. How does this…
Today in History–September 1–the Library of Congress features the fall of Atlanta. On this date in 1864, Confederate General John B. Hood evacuated and left the city in Union hands. The capture of this crucial Confederate supply center by William T. Sherman helped ensure the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln two months later. Find out more about the events preceding and following the…
Today in History–September 30–the Library of Congress features electricity. On this day in 1882, the first hydroelectric central station in the world began operation on the Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin. This and other hydroelectric plants provided inexpensive electricity, spurring industrial growth in many regions of the country around the turn of the 20th century. Find out…