On this day in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg begins. Our nation should have been celebrating its 87th birthday that week. Instead, we...

On this day in 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, learn that they are free. The anniversary of today’s events has come to be known as...

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 1860, the Republican Party nominates Abraham Lincoln for President. The Party was then brand new! It had been born from...

On this day in 1865, Abraham Lincoln is buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Did you know that an attempt was later...

On this day in 1865, the SS Sultana explodes as it steams north up the Mississippi River. The loss was the biggest maritime disaster in...

On this day in 1865, Abraham Lincoln passes away. Did you know that he was shot on Good Friday? He passed away the day before Easter....

On this day in 1862, the New York Times reports on an early Civil War battle. “This city is wild with excitement and rejoicing,” the...

On this day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivers his famous Gettysburg address. Did you know that no one knows exactly where he gave the...

On this day in 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee decides to make a stand! His decision would lead to the bloody Battle of Antietam....

On this day in 1860, Abraham Lincoln gives a speech that would propel him toward the presidency. He wasn’t yet the well-known figure that...

On this day in 1826, future First Lady Julia Dent Grant is born. Her love story with Ulysses S. Grant is not well known, but “they shared...

On this day in 1862, Abraham Lincoln signs a bill admitting West Virginia into the Union. At the time, some questioned whether West...

On this day in 1864, an eagle by the name of “Old Abe” is given to the people of Wisconsin. He would later become the inspiration for the...

On this day in 1862, Confederate forces win the Second Battle of Bull Run. The two-day battle would prove to be one of the bloodier battles

On (maybe) this day in 1831, a sea captain from Massachusetts names his American flag “Old Glory.” The name that Captain William Driver...

On this day in 1881, the American Association of the Red Cross is founded by Clara Barton. She must have been one determined lady. She...

On this day in 1865, John Wilkes Booth is shot and killed on a farm in Virginia. Did you ever wonder what happened to him in the days...

On this day in 1861, the first shot of the Civil War is fired. You may remember from yesterday’s story that Confederate and Union forces...

On this day in 1861, Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard sends a demand to Union Major Robert Anderson: Surrender Fort Sumter! But how...