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…
Today in History–July 23–the Library of Congress features the invention of the ice cream cone, purportedly conceived by Charles E. Menches on this day in 1904 . This confectioner was one of several who were given credit for this delectable invention and who participated in the 1904 St. Louis World Fair. Find out more about the invention of ice cream…
Today in History–July 13–the Library of Congress features minuteman John Parker, born in Lexington, Massachusetts on this day in 1729. Find out more about the first shots in the U.S. war for independence and those who fought by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and learning resources. Statue of Captain Parker, on the green at Lexington, Mass….
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…
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–July 4–the Library of Congress features Independence Day, marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on this day in 1776. The first anniversary was a spontaneous celebration, as John Adams recounted in a letter to his daughter Abigail. After the War of 1812, Independence Day celebrations became more common. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section,…
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…
Today in History–July 2–the Library of Congress features James A. Garfield, who was shot on this day in 1881 not long after he became the 20th president of the United States. The gunshot didn’t kill Garfield, however, infection caused by doctors probing the president’s wound with unwashed hands did. Find out more the attempts to save President Garfield…
Today in History–June 29–the Library of Congress features politician Henry Clay, who died on this date in 1852. One of the chief architects of the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, Clay fought hard to preserve the Union and forestall a war between the states. Find out more by reviewing the Today in History section. Then click the…
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–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…