U.S. History (1800s)

Aug 223 min read

This Day in History: America's Cup

On this day in 1851, the New York Yacht Club’s schooner, America , races and defeats fifteen yachts of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Did the...

This Day in History: Famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley is born

tara

Aug 133 min read

This Day in History: Famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley is born

On this day in 1860, the woman known as Annie Oakley is born. That wasn’t her real name, of course. The famous sharpshooter’s name at...

This Day in History: The origins of Juneteenth

tara

Jun 193 min read

This Day in History: The origins of Juneteenth

On this day in 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, learn that they are free. The anniversary of today’s events has come to be known as...

This Day in History: Andrew Johnson's impeachment

tara

May 163 min read

This Day in History: Andrew Johnson's impeachment

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

tara

Apr 233 min read

This Day in History: Fire at Notre Dame

On this day in 1879, the “Great Fire” destroys five buildings at the University of Notre Dame. When University founder Father Edward...

tara

Apr 33 min read

This Day in History: The Pony Express

On this day in 1860, the Pony Express begins its first run. The long ride from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, would be...

This Day in History: Frederick Douglass, abolitionist

tara

Feb 203 min read

This Day in History: Frederick Douglass, abolitionist

On this day in 1895, Frederick Douglass passes away. He’d once been a slave, but he’d gone on to become one of the most noted and...

This Day in History: Aaron Burr arrested for treason

tara

Feb 193 min read

This Day in History: Aaron Burr arrested for treason

On this day in 1807, former Vice President Aaron Burr is arrested for treason. Less than three years earlier, he had killed Alexander...

This Day in History: Thomas Jefferson's Mammoth Cheese

tara

Jan 43 min read

This Day in History: Thomas Jefferson's Mammoth Cheese

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

This Day in History: Annie Moore, first at Ellis Island

tara

Jan 13 min read

This Day in History: Annie Moore, first at Ellis Island

On this day in 1892, teenager Annie Moore becomes the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island. Do you know about the mystery...

This Day in History: Jefferson on Government

tara

Nov 29, 20231 min read

This Day in History: Jefferson on Government

On this day in 1802, Jefferson writes a letter. “If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people,” he wrote,...

This Day in History: Colorado grants women the right to vote

tara

Nov 7, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Colorado grants women the right to vote

On this day in 1893, Colorado voters approve a measure giving women the right to vote. Wait? What? Individual states gave women the right...

This Day in History: Aaron Burr & Alexander Hamilton Duel

tara

Jul 11, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Aaron Burr & Alexander Hamilton Duel

On this day in 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr mortally wounds Alexander Hamilton in a duel. In a sad and ironic twist, Hamilton’s oldest...

This Day in History: West Virginia becomes a state

tara

Jun 20, 20233 min read

This Day in History: West Virginia becomes a state

On this day in 1863, West Virginia is admitted into the Union. At the time, some questioned whether West Virginia—formerly a part of the...

tara

Apr 7, 20233 min read

This Day in History: “Seward’s Folly”

On this day in 1867, Senators debate a treaty to purchase Alaska. Secretary of State William Seward had just brokered a deal to buy it...

This Day in History: The Mexican-American War

tara

Mar 10, 20233 min read

This Day in History: The Mexican-American War

On this day in 1848, the U.S. Senate ratifies the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, bringing an end to the Mexican-American War. The treaty...

This Day in History: The Erie Canal, built without federal aid

tara

Oct 26, 20223 min read

This Day in History: The Erie Canal, built without federal aid

On this day in 1825, the Erie Canal opens. Did you know that the project was not funded by the federal government? It could have been but...

This Day in History: The Great Chicago Fire

tara

Oct 8, 20223 min read

This Day in History: The Great Chicago Fire

On this day in 1871, a fire rages. The Great Chicago Fire would kill 300 people and destroy nearly 3.5 square miles of the city. One in...

tara

Aug 17, 20223 min read

This Day in History: Davy Crockett

On this day in 1786, frontiersman Davy Crockett is born. Crockett is known for his escapades as a hunter, scout, storyteller, and militia...

This Day in History: A tragic end for one of America’s early war heroes

tara

Jun 23, 20223 min read

This Day in History: A tragic end for one of America’s early war heroes

On this day in 1807, USS Chesapeake limps back into Hampton Roads. Just one day earlier, she’d been involved in a disastrous...

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