taraFeb 282 minThis Day in History: President John Tyler is nearly killedOn this day in 1844, President John Tyler is nearly killed in a cannon explosion. At that moment in our nation’s history, the explosion...
taraFeb 23 minThis Day in History: The surprising origins of Groundhog DayOn this day in 1887, the first Groundhog Day is celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The celebration seems so solidly American,...
taraJan 243 minThis Day in History: The California Gold RushOn this day in 1848, gold is discovered in the Sacramento Valley. It was the beginning of the California Gold Rush! The first person to...
taraOct 18, 20203 minThis Day in History: Puerto Rico becomes a part of the United StatesOn this day in 1898, an American flag is raised over Puerto Rico. The island was no longer a Spanish possession. It was under the control...
taraOct 10, 20203 minThis Day in History: The Great Chicago FireOn this day in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire is finally extinguished. The fire had killed 300 people and destroyed nearly 3.5 square miles...
taraSep 3, 20203 minThis Day in History: Frederick Douglass, slavery, & the ConstitutionOn this day in 1838, Frederick Douglass makes his escape from slavery. He’d been a slave for about two decades, but that life was finally...
taraAug 1, 20202 minThis Day in History: Colorado, 1876, & the Electoral CollegeOn this day in 1876, Colorado is admitted to the Union as the 38th state. America was then celebrating its 100th birthday, which is why...
taraJun 14, 20202 minThis 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...
taraMay 26, 20203 minThis Day in History: Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial ends in acquittalOn this day in 1868, President Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial comes to a close. Thirty-five Senators had voted to convict him, still...
taraMay 13, 20203 minThis Day in History: The United States declares war on MexicoOn this day in 1846, the United States declares war on Mexico. President James Polk had asked Congress for such a declaration a mere two...
taraFeb 27, 20203 minThis Day in History: Abraham Lincoln's "right makes might" speechOn 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...
taraFeb 12, 20203 minThis Day in History: Peter Cooper's American success storyOn this day in 1791, an American entrepreneur is born. Because of this guy, we have Jell-o! ;) More importantly, we have a classic story...
taraJan 30, 20203 minThis Day in History: The attempted assassination of President Andrew JacksonOn this day in 1835, a would-be assassin tries to shoot President Andrew Jackson. The assassination attempt stemmed from Jackson’s...
taraJan 28, 20203 minThis Day in History: The Sixteenth Amendment is considered by the statesDuring this week in 1913, several states ratify the 16th Amendment. A proclamation would soon be issued by the U.S. Secretary of State,...
taraJan 16, 20203 minThis Day in History: A tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron BurrOn this day in 1801, Alexander Hamilton writes a scathing letter about then-presidential candidate Aaron Burr. “[G]reat Ambition...
taraJan 15, 20202 minThis Day in History: The Democratic Party, the donkey, & the Father of the Political CartoonOn this day in 1870, a popular cartoonist publishes an image that would ultimately connect the Democratic Party with the donkey. Have you...
taraDec 31, 20193 minThis Day in History: West Virginia’s controversial admission into the UnionOn this day in 1862, Abraham Lincoln signs a bill admitting West Virginia into the Union. At the time, some questioned whether West...
taraDec 20, 20193 minThis Day in History: Thomas Jefferson & the Louisiana PurchaseOn this day in 1803, ownership of Louisiana Territory is transferred from France to the United States. Americans had just purchased that...
taraNov 14, 20193 minThis Day in History: Nellie Bly’s trip around the world in 72 daysOn this day in 1889, Nellie Bly begins her famous trip around the world. The intrepid female journalist had already gone undercover in an...
taraNov 12, 20192 minThis Day in History: Ellis Island releases its last immigrantOn this day in 1954, Ellis Island releases its last immigrant. The island’s immigration center had been in operation since 1892. Did you...
