Today in History–June 18–the Library of Congress features the War of 1812. On this date in 1812 President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain. Reasons for the war included frustration with Britain’s maritime practices and their support of Native American resistance to western expansion as well as a desire to conquer Canada. The war lingered on…
From America’s Library: Born: February 9, 1773 Died: April 4, 1841 William Henry Harrison was the ninth U.S. president and, at 68, was the oldest to be inaugurated until Ronald Reagan in 1981 was sworn in at the age of 69. Harrison was the first president to die in office — only 31 days after his inauguration….
Today in History–May 9–the Library of Congress features the siege of Fort Meigs by Shawnee military leader Tecumseh and British general Henry A. Proctor on this day in 1813. But the invaders were unsuccessful as General William Henry Harrison held onto the fort that he had ordered built on the Maumee River above Toledo, Ohio. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click…