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This Day in History: The Hoover Dam
On this day in 1930, the Secretary of the Interior issues an order: Construction on the Boulder Dam should commence immediately! Today,...
tara
Jul 7, 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...
tara
May 30, 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...
tara
May 24, 20223 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
May 18, 20222 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...
tara
Apr 6, 20223 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...
tara
Apr 4, 20222 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...
tara
Mar 13, 20223 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...
tara
Jan 21, 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...
tara
Jan 1, 20222 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...
tara
Nov 18, 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...
tara
Nov 16, 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...
tara
Nov 13, 20213 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...
tara
Oct 28, 20212 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...
tara
Oct 24, 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...
tara
Oct 12, 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...
tara
Sep 30, 20213 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...
tara
Aug 20, 20212 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...
tara
Aug 10, 20213 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...
tara
Jul 31, 20212 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...
tara
May 9, 20213 min read
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