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This Day in History: Thomas Jefferson & the Louisiana Purchase
On this day in 1803, American and French delegates sign the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. The U.S. Senate would soon approve that document,...
tara
Apr 303 min read
This Day in History: Abraham Lincoln's "right makes might" speech
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...
tara
Feb 273 min read
This Day in History: America's Cup
On this day in 1851, the New York Yacht Club’s schooner, America , races and defeats fifteen yachts of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Did the...
tara
Aug 22, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley is born
On this day in 1860, the woman known as Annie Oakley is born. That wasn’t her real name, of course. The famous sharpshooter’s name at...
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Aug 13, 20243 min read
This Day in History: The origins of Juneteenth
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...
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Jun 19, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Andrew Johnson's impeachment
On this day in 1868, votes are taken in President Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial. Thirty-five Senators voted to convict, one vote shy...
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May 16, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Fire at Notre Dame
On this day in 1879, the “Great Fire” destroys five buildings at the University of Notre Dame. When University founder Father Edward...
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Apr 23, 20243 min read
This Day in History: The Pony Express
On this day in 1860, the Pony Express begins its first run. The long ride from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, would be...
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Apr 3, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Frederick Douglass, abolitionist
On this day in 1895, Frederick Douglass passes away. He’d once been a slave, but he’d gone on to become one of the most noted and...
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Feb 20, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Aaron Burr arrested for treason
On this day in 1807, former Vice President Aaron Burr is arrested for treason. Less than three years earlier, he had killed Alexander...
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Feb 19, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Thomas Jefferson's Mammoth Cheese
On this day in 1802, Thomas Jefferson makes a $200 payment for a surprising reason. Do you know about the “mammoth cheese” that he...
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Jan 4, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Annie Moore, first at Ellis Island
On this day in 1892, teenager Annie Moore becomes the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island. Do you know about the mystery...
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Jan 2, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Jefferson on Government
On this day in 1802, Jefferson writes a letter. “If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people,” he wrote,...
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Nov 29, 20231 min read
This Day in History: Colorado grants women the right to vote
On this day in 1893, Colorado voters approve a measure giving women the right to vote. Wait? What? Individual states gave women the right...
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Nov 7, 20233 min read
This Day in History: Aaron Burr & Alexander Hamilton Duel
On this day in 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr mortally wounds Alexander Hamilton in a duel. In a sad and ironic twist, Hamilton’s oldest...
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Jul 11, 20233 min read
This Day in History: West Virginia becomes a state
On this day in 1863, West Virginia is admitted into the Union. At the time, some questioned whether West Virginia—formerly a part of the...
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Jun 20, 20233 min read
This Day in History: “Seward’s Folly”
On this day in 1867, Senators debate a treaty to purchase Alaska. Secretary of State William Seward had just brokered a deal to buy it...
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Apr 7, 20233 min read
This Day in History: The Mexican-American War
On this day in 1848, the U.S. Senate ratifies the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, bringing an end to the Mexican-American War. The treaty...
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Mar 10, 20233 min read
This Day in History: The Erie Canal, built without federal aid
On this day in 1825, the Erie Canal opens. Did you know that the project was not funded by the federal government? It could have been but...
tara
Oct 26, 20223 min read
This Day in History: The Great Chicago Fire
On this day in 1871, a fire rages. The Great Chicago Fire would kill 300 people and destroy nearly 3.5 square miles of the city. One in...
tara
Oct 8, 20223 min read
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