This Day in History: Francis Scott Key & the National Anthem
On this day in 1814, the British begin bombarding Fort McHenry. Famously, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key watched the battle from...
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- Aug 10
- 3 min
This Day in History: “Old Glory” gets its name
On (maybe) this day in 1831, a sea captain from Massachusetts names his American flag “Old Glory.” The name that Captain William Driver...
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- Jul 22
- 2 min
This Day in History: “America the Beautiful”
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...
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- Jul 7
- 3 min
This Day in History: The Hoover Dam
On this day in 1930, the Secretary of the Interior issues an order: Construction on the Boulder Dam should commence immediately! Today,...
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- Jun 14
- 2 min
This Day in History: Happy Flag Day!
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...
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- May 30
- 3 min
This Day in History: The origins of Memorial Day, shrouded in mystery
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...
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- May 24
- 3 min
This Day in History: Arlington National Cemetery
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...
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- May 18
- 2 min
This Day in History: “In God We Trust” restored to U.S. coins
On this day in 1908, Theodore Roosevelt signs an act restoring the motto “In God We Trust” to certain U.S. coins. Interesting, because...
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- Apr 6
- 3 min
This Day in History: The last Army Day
On this day in 1949, Americans mark the last national observance of Army Day. Did you know that we used to celebrate Army Day on April 6...
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- Apr 4
- 2 min
This Day in History: The Star-Spangled Banner is redesigned
On this day in 1818, President James Monroe signs an act that redesigns the U.S. flag. That act established our current rule: The flag...
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- Mar 13
- 3 min
This Day in History: The legend (and the truth) behind Johnny Appleseed
On or around this day in 1845, Johnny Appleseed passes away in Indiana. Of course, that wasn’t his real name. Johnny Appleseed’s real...
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- Jan 31
- 3 min
This Day in History: Washington’s Birthday (not President’s Day) established
On this day in 1879, Congress makes George Washington’s birthday a holiday. As far as the federal government is concerned, there is no...
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- Jan 21
- 2 min
This Day in History: "History is a Journey"
On this day in 1985, Ronald Reagan is publicly inaugurated for the second time. Today's story is a simple one, but perhaps it's also a...
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- Jan 1
- 2 min
This Day in History: George Washington's Grand Union Flag
On this day in 1776, the Grand Union Flag is hoisted by George Washington and his army. They were celebrating the birth of a new...
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- Nov 25, 2021
- 3 min
This Day in History: The Pilgrims enjoy a three-day Thanksgiving feast
On or around this day in 1621, the Pilgrims enjoy a three-day feast! They are grateful for their harvest after a long, hard first year in...
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- Nov 18, 2021
- 3 min
This Day in History: The origins of the Battle Hymn of the Republic
On or around this day in 1861, Julia Ward Howe is inspired to write the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Did you know that this much-loved...
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- Nov 16, 2021
- 2 min
This Day in History: The controversial Jefferson Memorial
On this day in 1939, a cornerstone is laid for the Jefferson Memorial. Statues of America’s third President have become controversial in...
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- Nov 13, 2021
- 3 min
This Day in History: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated
On this day in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated. When the Memorial’s long, black walls were first proposed, they sparked...
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- Nov 11, 2021
- 2 min
This Day in History: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
On this day in 1921, an unidentified soldier from World War I was interred in a Tomb—the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. President Warren...
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- Oct 28, 2021
- 2 min
This Day in History: The Statue of Liberty is dedicated
On this day in 1886, the Statue of Liberty is dedicated by President Grover Cleveland. It was then called Statue of Liberty Enlightening...