Today in History–March 6–the Library of Congress remembers the Alamo, which was recaptured by Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on this day in 1836. An estimated 1,000 to 1,600 Mexican soldiers died in the the 13-day siege and all 189 Texan defenders officially listed were killed. Learn more about the circumstances that helped Texas forces to gain independence from…
Today in History–March 5–the Library of Congress features the Boston Massacre, which occurred on this day in 1770 when British soldiers shot into a crowd of colonists. This skirmish became a rallying point for American patriots, led by Samuel Adams. Learn more about the incident and one of the fatal victims, Crispus Attucks, by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking…
Today in History–March 2–the Library of Congress features Mount Rainier National Park, established on this day in 1899. But was America’s fifth national park created to preserve nature or to help out an industry? Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and reviewing the resources linked to below. from America’s Library Mount Rainier, Washington Mount Rainier becomes…
Today in History–March 1–the Library of Congress features the Salem witch trials, which were sparked when Massachusetts authorities charged three women with witchcraft on this day in 1692. Read more about this brief but dark chapter in U.S. history by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related resources. Background Images Texts Books…
Today in History–February 28–the Library of Congress features the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which became the first U.S. railway chartered for transporting commercial freight and passengers on this day in 1827. The first track was 13 miles long and opened in 1830. Find out more about this groundbreaking railroad by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below to…
Today in History–February 24–the Library of Congress features Arizona, which was organized as a separate territory on this day in 1863. Find out more about this southwestern state that gained U.S. statehood in 1912 by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the 48th state through a review…
Today in History–February 23–the Library of Congress features the Mexican American War. On this day in 1847 U.S. General Zachary Taylor was victorious over Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in the Battle of Buena Vista. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover more about this war between the U.S. and its…
Today in History–February 22–the Library of Congress features George Washington, born on this day in 1732. Find out more about the Library of Congress resources related to our first president by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about this founding father, then check out the many links below. About George…
Today in History–February 21–the Library of Congress features Richard Nixon, who began an eight-day visit to China on this day in 1972. President Nixon was the first U.S. president to visit the People’s Republic of China since its founding in 1949. Find out a bit more about U.S.-Chinese relations by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the…
Today in History–February 20–the Library of Congress features actor Joe Jefferson, born on this day in 1829. Learn more about this hugely popular comic actor and early American theater by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more resources about Jefferson and theater in the United States. Comic Actor Joseph Jefferson Was Born from…
Today in History–February 16–the Library of Congress features western missionaries and Native Americans. The Reverend Cushing Eells, born on this date in 1810. This Congregationalist missionary founded Whitman College, named in honor of fellow missionaries and Oregon pioneers Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, who were killed by Native Americans in 1847. Learn more about the relations between missionaries and Native Americans in the west…
Today in History–February 15–the Library of Congress features the Spanish-American War, sparked on this date in 1898 when an explosion sank the battleship U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. Two months later, President William McKinley announced a state of war with Spain on April 25, 1898. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…