“You never want a serious crisis to go to waste,” former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel once said. “And what I mean by that is an opportunity to do ...

On this day in 2007, a United States soldier engages in an action that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins’s actions in Operation Ira...

On this day in 1775, the Mecklenburg Resolves are adopted by colonial leaders in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. State leaders would take a similar actio...

On this day in 1806, future President Andrew Jackson kills Charles Dickinson in a duel. Jackson participated in many duels during his day, although the exact...

On this day in 1996, a hero passes away. Colonel John R. Kane would fly bombing missions with such resolve that he would be dubbed “Killer” Kane. But would y...

On this day in 1765, Patrick Henry gives a rousing speech to the Virginia House of Burgesses. You may know Henry for his “give me liberty or give me death” s...

On this day in 1868, President Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial comes to a close. Thirty-five Senators had voted to convict him, still one vote shy of the ...

On this day in 1961, John F. Kennedy shakes the country into action with a memorable address. “I believe that this nation,” he told Congress, “should commit ...

On this day in 1939, the crew of the USS Squalus is rescued. The day before, the submarine had sunk to a depth of 240 feet. The rescue marked the first time ...

On this day in 1939, a Sargo-class submarine sinks during a deep dive. No submarine crew had ever been rescued once they’d sunk below 20 feet. Would the crew...

At about this time in 1788, Alexander Hamilton (a.k.a. Publius) was writing Federalist Paper No. 84. His essay would later appear in a bound volume with othe...

On this day in 1755, Tench Coxe is born in Philadelphia. Was he a Patriot or a Loyalist? People weren’t so sure at first. But he rehabilitated himself—or at ...

On this day in 1848, Agrippa Hull passes away. He’s been called “one of the most remarkable and unnoticed African Americans of the revolutionary era.” His li...

On this day in 1792, George Washington writes to James Madison. His first term was coming to a close, and he wanted to retire from public life. He asked Madi...

On this day in 1795, a signer of the Declaration of Independence passes away. In the modern-day show “West Wing,” President Josiah Bartlet was a fictional di...

On this day in 1915, a hero is born. First Lt. John Robert Fox would go on to become one of only seven black men to receive the Medal of Honor for his action...

On this day in 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress completes its 25th combat mission without losing a member of its crew. Memphis Belle would return to the United S...

On this day in 1793, members of George Washington’s cabinet send him memos regarding the so-called “Citizen Genêt Affair.” Have you ever heard of Edmond-Char...

On this day in 1776, the Virginia state legislature takes an action that would ultimately lead to our Declaration of Independence. Armed conflict with Great ...

On this day in 1918, an American hero saves the life of his fellow soldier. Private Henry Johnson’s bravery came during World War I. It would not only earn h...