On this day in 1854, the man who was the probable inspiration for Uncle Sam passes away during a cholera epidemic. Did you know that...

On this day in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a law making “In God We Trust” the national motto. His action came just two...

On or around this day in 1816, America’s first circus elephant, “Old Bet,” is tragically killed. The details of her passing are disputed....

On this day in 1893, a professor stands atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. She is struck by the beauty around her and is inspired to write a...

On this day in 1971, Memorial Day is observed on a new date. If you don’t know much about the history of this weekend’s holiday, then you...

On this day in 1861, the U.S. Army occupies General Robert E. Lee’s property at Arlington. The move would ultimately lead to the creation...

On this day in 1754, Benjamin Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette publishes a political cartoon that you might recognize. It depicted a...

On this day in 1908, an illuminated ball completes its drop in Times Square, signaling the beginning of New Year’s Day. Such a ball had...

On this day in 1954, the United States Marine Corps celebrates its birthday—and it dedicates a new War Memorial. That Memorial is easily...

On this day in 1814, the British begin bombarding Fort McHenry. Famously, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key watched the battle from...

At about this time in 1776, Betsy Ross works as a seamstress and an upholsterer. At least according to legend, she would make the first...

Happy Flag Day! Did you know that today’s holiday would not exist but for the actions of a 19-year old schoolteacher from Wisconsin? In...

On this day in 1879, Congress makes George Washington’s birthday a holiday. As far as the federal government is concerned, there is no...

On this day in 1892, teenager Annie Moore becomes the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island. Do you know about the mystery...

At about this time in 1789, our country observes its first day of Thanksgiving and prayer.  “[I]t is the duty of all Nations to...

During this month in 1941, Thanksgiving is celebrated on two different dates. The federal government and some states celebrated the...

Happy birthday to the United States Marine Corps! On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution requiring that “two...

On this day in 1941, Mount Rushmore is declared complete. Did you know that the famous presidential monument was partly inspired by a...

On this day in 2001, a firefighter stands atop a fire truck in the middle of the World Trade Center’s smoldering remains. Bob Beckwith...

On this day in 1924, Calvin Coolidge discusses Labor Day, which he thought a “peculiarly American holiday,” recognizing the “worth and...