On this day in 1864, the stage is set for a change in American coinage. The country was then in the midst of the Civil War. Times were difficult, and some had been calling for a way to boost morale. Do you know the story of the 1864 two-cent coin? It was the first time that “In God We Trust” appeared on American money. The groundwork had been laid much earlier, in 1861. The Treasury Secretary, Salmon P. Chase, was then receiving appeals to recognize God on coins. Most fam

On this day in 1982, a groundbreaking ceremony is held for a new national memorial. Its design would spark debate—but it would also soon become one of the most powerful places of remembrance in America. Indeed, over the course of the past several decades, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., has become a place of reverence and healing for many. The Memorial might never have existed but for Jan C. Scruggs, a Vietnam War veteran. The years after the war were

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 name was John Chapman. Chapman was born in the years immediately before the American Revolution. Many details of his early life are sketchy, but we do know that his father served at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He may have been apprenticed to an orchardist and nurseryman, but no one is sure. As a young adult, he decided to take advantage of an op

On this day in 1931, a song Americans had been singing for generations becomes the national anthem. Perhaps you know that The Star-Spangled Banner has its roots in the War of 1812, but do you know what happened after that? Francis Scott Key wrote the song in the wake of the Battle of Baltimore, which had raged before his very eyes in September 1814. “It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone,” he later wrot

On this day in 1794, George Washington signs an act redesigning the United States flag. His signature increased the number of stripes on our national banner from thirteen to fifteen. Did you know that the Star-Spangled Banner had 15 stripes for more than two decades? Indeed, our flag has a long history that many do not know. During the American Revolution, a wide variety of flags were used. Sometimes soldiers brought flags affiliated with their state or region and used th

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...