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 1908, Theodore Roosevelt signs an act restoring the motto “In God We Trust” to certain U.S. coins. Interesting, because...

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...

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...

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...

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 1985, Ronald Reagan is publicly inaugurated for the second time. Today's story is a simple one, but perhaps it's also a...

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...

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...

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...

On this day in 1939, a cornerstone is laid for the Jefferson Memorial. Statues of America’s third President have become controversial in...

On this day in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated. When the Memorial’s long, black walls were first proposed, they sparked...

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...

On this day in 1886, the Statue of Liberty is dedicated by President Grover Cleveland. It was then called Statue of Liberty Enlightening...

On this day in 1788, the “Mother of Thanksgiving” is born. Sarah Josepha Hale wore many hats during her lifetime. She was a writer and a...

On this day in 1939, a football game is televised for the first time. The nation was not yet in the habit of playing the Star-Spangled...

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

On or around this day in 1942, the United States Congress considers amendments to the United States Flag Code. Did you know that the...

On this day in 1776, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin propose “E Pluribus Unum” as a national motto to be used on the...

On this day in 1927, President Calvin Coolidge speaks at a dedication ceremony for Mount Rushmore. Work would begin on that famous...