Today in History–February 25–the Library of Congress features the British surrender of Fort Sackville at Vincennes, Indiana on this date in 1779. Despite a 1763 prohibition against western settlement, colonists had continued to travel to Indiana and other areas west of the Appalachians. Learn more about the defense of Fort Sackville by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links…
Today in History–February 19–the Library of Congress features Columbus, Georgia. On this date in 1917, future literary star Carson McCullers was born. Learn more about the city that influenced author Carson McCullers writing by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to the city of Columbus and the state of Georgia. Carson McCullers…
Today in History–February 18–the Library of Congress features Charleston, South Carolina, which surrendered control to Union forces on this date in 1865. Learn more about this southern city that played a leading role in the events leading up to the Civil War by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to numerous related primary sources. Charleston maps Charleston images Charleston…
Today in History–February 12–the Library of Congress features painter Thomas Moran, born on this date in 1837. In 1871 Moran joined a scientific exploration of lands along the Yellowstone River headed by Ferdinand V. Hayden. Moran’s paintings, together with photographer William Henry Jackson’s photographs, helped spur public interest in the area and convince Congress to set aside the Yellowstone area as a…
Today in History–February 11–the Library of Congress features anarchist and feminist Emma Goldman, who was arrested on this date in 1916 right before she was to give a lecture on family planning. A Russian immigrant, Goldman joined the labor movement after working in a New York garment factory. Later she would embrace anarchism–the political belief that all…
Today in History–February 8–the Library of Congress features the controversial silent film, The Birth of a Nation, which premiered on this day in 1915. Although the film advanced the art of cinema, it did so by telling a story with a skewed, racist vision of U.S. history. Protested by many, the film was ultimately a great commercial success….
Today in History–February 6–the Library of Congress features the Franco-American alliance, solidified on this date in 1778 when France and the United States signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance. The former recognized the United States as an independent nation and promoted trade between the two countries and the latter created a military alliance against Great Britain…
Today in History–February 4–the Library of Congress features the United Service Organization, more commonly known as the USO, incorporated on this date in 1941. The USO was organized by six social service organizations to to provide recreational opportunities and resources for members of the U.S. armed forces on leave. Soon after, the USO created Camp Shows Inc., to bring…
Today in History–February 1–the Library of Congress features composer Victor Herbert, born on this date in 1859 in Dublin, Ireland. After immigrating to the United States in 1886 with his wife, opera singer Therese Foerster, Herbert quickly became active in the musical life of New York City. Herbert worked with worked for the Metropolitan Opera, was bandmaster of the 22nd Regiment…
Today in History–January 28–the Library of Congress features Julia Ward Howe, who became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters on this date in 1908. Howe and her husband were active in the abolitionist movement. Later, time spent with Union troops inspired Howe to write the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to the tune…
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features career pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, who graduated from medical school on this date in 1849. She was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Learn more about this trailblazing woman by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links listed below. Group portrait of members of the…
Today in History–January 22–the Library of Congress features the Florida Keys. On this day in 1912, the Florida East Coast Railway connected the island of Key West with the Florida mainland. After a 1935 hurricane damaged the line, the Overseas Highway built on the foundation of the old railroad bed. The current system of dozens of bridges…