On this day in 1801, Alexander Hamilton writes a scathing letter about then-presidential candidate Aaron Burr. “[G]reat Ambition...

On this day in 1831, future President James Garfield is born on a farm in Ohio. His childhood was spent helping his impoverished mother...

On this day in 1902, a political cartoon is published. It prompts the creation of the teddy bear! Did you know that teddy bears are named...

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 1943, surviving crew members of PT-109 are finally rescued. That small boat had been under the command of Lt. (j.g.) John...

On this day in 1927, Calvin Coolidge declines to run for re-election as President. His statement to the press was simple: “I do not...

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 1785, King George III receives a minister from the newly independent American colonies. That minister was none other than...

On this day in 1800, President John Adams approves an appropriation of $5,000 to bring to the Capitol “such books as may be necessary for...

On this day in 1781, future President Andrew Jackson is captured by the British. He was only 14 years old. His older brother Robert was...

On this day in 1861, President-elect Abraham Lincoln attends church services at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. He’d just...

On this day in 1848, former President John Quincy Adams suffers a stroke while speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives. He...

On this day in 1843, William McKinley is born. He is one of those Presidents that you don’t hear too much about, perhaps in part because...

On this day in 1862, former President John Tyler passes away. You probably don’t know too much about Tyler. His presidency was fairly...

On this day in 1759, George Washington marries Martha Dandridge Custis. They had known each other for less than 10 months, and Martha had...

On this day in 1941, the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. That surprise attack changed everything, of course, and many Americans rushed to...

On this day in 1779, a 12-year-old John Quincy Adams prepares to make a dangerous Atlantic crossing with his father, John Adams. “This...

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 1953, then-Senator John F. Kennedy weds Jacqueline Lee Bouvier. The newlyweds had so many wedding guests that it took them...