On this day in 1853, a train carrying President-elect Franklin Pierce and his family derails just outside Andover, Massachusetts. One person is instantly killed: Franklin’s young son, Benny. His parents were devastated. The new President thought he was being punished for his ambition. His wife, Jane, concluded that God was clearing distractions from Franklin’s life so he could focus on his new job. She never got over it. Jane Pierce with Benny Perhaps it would have helped if

On or around this day in 1775, John Adams gives a speech before the Continental Congress, urging delegates to create a new, unified...

On this day in 1865, Abraham Lincoln’s body is transported to a cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Did you know that an attempt was later...

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 1911, Ronald Wilson Reagan is born. Much could be said about the man who went on to become our 40th President, of course,...

On this day in 1860, Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the United States. Such an achievement must have seemed impossible during...

On this day in 1748, Martha Wayles, future wife of Thomas Jefferson, is born. Martha “Patty” Wayles Skelton Jefferson is a bit of a...

On this day in 1982, Bess Truman passes away. Much could be said and written about the former First Lady and her husband, of course, but...

On this day in 1910, Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first United States President to fly in an airplane. Presidents board airplanes on a routine basis these days, but back then, the move was viewed as inherently risky. “Col. Roosevelt defied death late yesterday,” one 1910 newspaper blared, “when he went up in an aeroplane with Aviator Arch Hoxsey.” Perhaps, though, Americans were used to the former Rough Rider’s love of adventure? By then, Roosevelt was an ex-President who’d

If you think this election year is crazy, then you should also hear what happened in 1824!   That election was a four-way race: John...

On this day in 1850, President Zachary Taylor passes away, just 16 months into his presidential term. His unexpectedly short time in...

On this day in 1924, President Calvin and First Lady Grace Coolidge tend to their son at Walter Reed Army hospital. Their teenaged son...

On this day in 1912, ex-President Theodore Roosevelt storms out of the Republican Party convention. Perhaps you know that Roosevelt...

On this day in 1924, George H.W. Bush is born.  You know him as the 41st President of the United States, but do you know about his...

On this day in 1868, votes are taken in President Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial. Thirty-five Senators voted to convict, one vote shy...

On this day in 1777, future President John Adams writes three letters to his wife, Abigail Adams. The partnership and marriage between...

On this day in 1789, George Washington receives a letter from his friend Henry Knox. The two had been awaiting the outcome of our...

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 1961, John F. Kennedy becomes the first United States President to give a live, televised press conference. Modern...

On this day in 1802, Thomas Jefferson makes a $200 payment for a surprising reason.  Do you know about the “mammoth cheese” that he...