Today in History: Captain John Smith

Today in History: Captain John Smith

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…

Primary Source Spotlight: Labor

Primary Source Spotlight: Labor

Primary source sets The Industrial Revolution in the United States American Federation of Labor & Quarry Workers Anarchist Emma Goldman Anthracite Coal Strike The “Bonus” Army The cause of industrial panics in the United States 1903 by Chicago Federation of Labor and Industrial Union Council Chicago Federation of Labor: historic newspaper coverage Civilian Conservation Corps With…

State Spotlight: Virginia

State Spotlight: Virginia

Virginia stories from America’s Library Virginia primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Virginia images Virginia maps Virginia historical newspapers Virginia books & other texts Virginia clippings, life histories & other documents Virginia oral history & song recordings Virginia sheet music Virginia film & video recordings U.S. legislation related to Virginia Virginia Guide to Law Online Virginia-related posts on PSN More U.S. state primary source collections

Today in History: Battle of Cold Harbor

Today in History: Battle of Cold Harbor

Today in History–June 3–the Library of Congress features the second Battle of Cold Harbor, begun on this day in 1864. The bloody battle ensued when Union General Ulysses S. Grant encountered Confederate troops in Virginia as he made his way to Richmond. Approximately 7,000 Union troops perished and Confederate forces suffered around 1,500 casualties in the nine-day fight….

Today in History: Patrick Henry

Today in History: Patrick Henry

Today in History–May 29–the Library of Congress features colonial politician Patrick Henry, born on this day in 1736. Henry subscribed to the political theory that humans are born with certain inalienable rights, an idea that is central to the Declaration of Independence, and was renowned for his speaking abilities. Learn more about this fiery orator by visiting the Today in…

Today in History: Grant’s Army Attacks Confederate Lines at Petersburg

Today in History: Grant’s Army Attacks Confederate Lines at Petersburg

Today in History–April 2–the Library of Congress features the attack of Confederate lines at Petersburg, Virginia on this day in 1865. Led by U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant, the battle lasted less than a day and helped hasten the capture of Richmond about a month later. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Virginia by Capt. John Smith

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Virginia by Capt. John Smith

Use the zoom feature online or access a larger image of this map (zoomable map | enlarged map). What details do you notice first? What else strikes you as interesting? Why do you think John Smith made this map? What scale is used for this map? What scale is typically used for maps today? The map…

Today in History: Jamestown

Today in History: Jamestown

Today in History–May 14–the Library of Congress features Jamestown, Virginia, established on this day in 1607. The first winter was harsh and after eight months, only 60 of the 214 pioneers were still alive. By September of 1608, John Smith became a leader of Jamestown and the colony began to flourish. Learn more about the ups and downs of…

Today in History: Thomas Jefferson

Today in History: Thomas Jefferson

Today in History–April 13–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, born on this day in 1743.  (Actually, he was born on April 2 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Find out more about this multitalented man…

Today in History: Thomas Jefferson Elected

Today in History: Thomas Jefferson Elected

Today in History–February 17–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, who was elected by the House of Representatives on this day in 1801. The House voted to break a tie in the Electoral College. Find out more about this acrimonious third presidential election by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary…