Americana 2/3

May 30, 20223 min read

This Day in History: The origins of Memorial Day, shrouded in mystery

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...

This Day in History: Arlington National Cemetery

tara

May 24, 20223 min read

This Day in History: Arlington National Cemetery

On this day in 1861, the U.S. Army occupies General Robert E. Lee’s property at Arlington. The move would ultimately lead to the creation...

This Day in History: “In God We Trust” restored to U.S. coins

tara

May 18, 20222 min read

This Day in History: “In God We Trust” restored to U.S. coins

On this day in 1908, Theodore Roosevelt signs an act restoring the motto “In God We Trust” to certain U.S. coins. Interesting, because...

tara

Apr 6, 20223 min read

This Day in History: The last Army Day

On this day in 1949, Americans mark the last national observance of Army Day. Did you know that we used to celebrate Army Day on April 6...

This Day in History: The Star-Spangled Banner is redesigned

tara

Apr 4, 20222 min read

This Day in History: The Star-Spangled Banner is redesigned

On this day in 1818, President James Monroe signs an act that redesigns the U.S. flag. That act established our current rule: The flag...

This Day in History: The legend (and the truth) behind Johnny Appleseed

tara

Mar 13, 20223 min read

This Day in History: The legend (and the truth) behind Johnny Appleseed

On or around this day in 1845, Johnny Appleseed passes away in Indiana. Of course, that wasn’t his real name. Johnny Appleseed’s real...

This Day in History: "History is a Journey"

tara

Jan 21, 20222 min read

This Day in History: "History is a Journey"

On this day in 1985, Ronald Reagan is publicly inaugurated for the second time. Today's story is a simple one, but perhaps it's also a...

This Day in History: George Washington's Grand Union Flag

tara

Jan 1, 20222 min read

This Day in History: George Washington's Grand Union Flag

On this day in 1776, the Grand Union Flag is hoisted by George Washington and his army. They were celebrating the birth of a new...

This Day in History: The origins of the Battle Hymn of the Republic

tara

Nov 18, 20213 min read

This Day in History: The origins of the Battle Hymn of the Republic

On or around this day in 1861, Julia Ward Howe is inspired to write the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Did you know that this much-loved...

This Day in History: The controversial Jefferson Memorial

tara

Nov 15, 20213 min read

This Day in History: The controversial Jefferson Memorial

On this day in 1939, a cornerstone is laid for the Jefferson Memorial. Statues of America’s third President have become controversial in...

This Day in History: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated

tara

Nov 13, 20213 min read

This Day in History: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated

On this day in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated. When the Memorial’s long, black walls were first proposed, they sparked...

This Day in History: The Statue of Liberty is dedicated

tara

Oct 28, 20212 min read

This Day in History: The Statue of Liberty is dedicated

On this day in 1886, the Statue of Liberty is dedicated by President Grover Cleveland. It was then called Statue of Liberty Enlightening...

This Day in History: Sarah Josepha Hale, the “Mother of Thanksgiving”

tara

Oct 23, 20213 min read

This Day in History: Sarah Josepha Hale, the “Mother of Thanksgiving”

On this day in 1788, the “Mother of Thanksgiving” is born. Sarah Josepha Hale wore many hats during her lifetime. She was a writer and a...

This Day in History: The first celebration of Columbus Day

tara

Oct 12, 20213 min read

This Day in History: The first celebration of Columbus Day

On this day in 1492, Christopher Columbus lands in the New World. Exactly 300 years later, New York City would hold the first Columbus...

This Day in History: How did the National Anthem come to be played at sporting events?

tara

Sep 30, 20213 min read

This Day in History: How did the National Anthem come to be played at sporting events?

On this day in 1939, a football game is televised for the first time. The nation was not yet in the habit of playing the Star-Spangled...

This Day in History: The origins of “E Pluribus Unum”

tara

Aug 20, 20212 min read

This Day in History: The origins of “E Pluribus Unum”

On this day in 1776, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin propose “E Pluribus Unum” as a national motto to be used on the...

This Day in History: Mount Rushmore is dedicated

tara

Aug 10, 20213 min read

This Day in History: Mount Rushmore is dedicated

On this day in 1927, President Calvin Coolidge speaks at a dedication ceremony for Mount Rushmore. Work would begin on that famous...

This Day in History: The probable inspiration for Uncle Sam

tara

Jul 31, 20212 min read

This Day in History: The probable inspiration for Uncle Sam

On this day in 1854, the man who was the probable inspiration for Uncle Sam passes away during a cholera epidemic. Did you know that...

This Day in History: Why were snakes used on Revolutionary War flags?

tara

May 9, 20213 min read

This Day in History: Why were snakes used on Revolutionary War flags?

On this day in 1754, Benjamin Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette publishes a political cartoon that you might recognize. It depicted a snake...

This Day in History: The surprising origins of Groundhog Day

tara

Feb 2, 20213 min read

This Day in History: The surprising origins of Groundhog Day

On this day in 1887, the first Groundhog Day is celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The celebration seems so solidly American,...

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