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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...
tara
Jun 23, 20223 min read
This Day in History: The Chesapeake–Leopard affair
On this day in 1807, a British Royal Navy officer boards an American ship, looking for deserters. The humiliating affair ended when the...
tara
Jun 22, 20223 min read
This Day in History: The Pig War
On this day in 1859, an American farmer shoots a pig. The incident nearly sparks open warfare between the United Kingdom and the United...
tara
Jun 15, 20223 min read
This Day in History: The origins of the Library of Congress
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...
tara
Apr 24, 20222 min read
This Day in History: The United States Military Academy at West Point is founded
On this day in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point is founded. The academy has trained some of America’s greatest...
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Mar 16, 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...
tara
Mar 13, 20223 min read
This Day in History: Andrew Jackson’s raucous inauguration
On this day in 1829, Andrew Jackson is inaugurated for the first time. The event was a raucous affair that would surely never be allowed...
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Mar 4, 20223 min read
This Day in History: USS Maine explodes at Havana
On this day in 1898, USS Maine explodes in Havana Harbor. To this day, no one knows exactly why the warship was destroyed. But at the...
tara
Feb 15, 20223 min read
This Day in History: "Ten Days in a Mad-House"
On this day in 1922, Nellie Bly passes away. The plucky journalist had been much loved for her pioneering work as an investigative...
tara
Jan 27, 20223 min read
This Day in History: The Eggnog Riot
On this Christmas Eve in 1826, military cadets at West Point riot. This nearly forgotten, alcohol-fueled uprising has come to be known as...
tara
Dec 24, 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: The end of the Pony Express
On this day in 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph is sent, bringing an end to the Pony Express. The task seemed impossible at...
tara
Oct 24, 20212 min read
This Day in History: Thomas Jefferson & the Louisiana Purchase
On this day in 1803, the United States Senate approves the Louisiana Purchase. Americans had just purchased an 827,000 square mile block...
tara
Oct 20, 20213 min read
This Day in History: Seth Capron, American entrepreneur
On this day in 1762, Seth Capron is born in Attleboro, Massachusetts. He served as a soldier with George Washington, yet his most...
tara
Sep 23, 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...
tara
Jul 31, 20212 min read
This Day in History: The fight for women's suffrage
On this day in 1873, Susan B. Anthony is convicted of casting an illegal vote. It was just one of the many milestones she would pass...
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Jun 18, 20212 min read
This Day in History: President John Tyler is nearly killed
On this day in 1844, President John Tyler is nearly killed in a cannon explosion. At that moment in our nation’s history, the explosion...
tara
Feb 28, 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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Feb 2, 20213 min read
This Day in History: The California Gold Rush
On this day in 1848, gold is discovered in the Sacramento Valley. It was the beginning of the California Gold Rush! The first person to...
tara
Jan 24, 20213 min read
This Day in History: Puerto Rico becomes a part of the United States
On this day in 1898, an American flag is raised over Puerto Rico. The island was no longer a Spanish possession. It was under the control...
tara
Oct 18, 20203 min read
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