U.S. Presidents

Nov 63 min read

This Day in History: Abraham Lincoln elected President of the United States

On this day in 1860, Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the United States. Such an achievement must have seemed impossible during...

tara

Oct 303 min read

This Day in History: Martha Jefferson

On this day in 1748, Martha Wayles, future wife of Thomas Jefferson, is born. Martha “Patty” Wayles Skelton Jefferson is a bit of a...

This Day in History: The Trumans' Love Story

tara

Oct 184 min read

This Day in History: The Trumans' Love Story

On this day in 1982, Bess Truman passes away. Much could be said and written about the former First Lady and her husband, of course, but...

This Day in History: John Quincy Adams versus Andrew Jackson

tara

Aug 142 min read

This Day in History: John Quincy Adams versus Andrew Jackson

If you think this election year is crazy, then you should also hear what happened in 1824! That election was a four-way race: John...

This Day in History: Zachary Taylor's short presidency

tara

Jul 93 min read

This Day in History: Zachary Taylor's short presidency

On this day in 1850, President Zachary Taylor passes away, just 16 months into his presidential term. His unexpectedly short time in...

This Day in History: The tragic death of Calvin Coolidge’s son

tara

Jul 53 min read

This Day in History: The tragic death of Calvin Coolidge’s son

On this day in 1924, President Calvin and First Lady Grace Coolidge tend to their son at Walter Reed Army hospital. Their teenaged son...

This Day in History: Teddy Roosevelt & chaos in 1912

tara

Jun 223 min read

This Day in History: Teddy Roosevelt & chaos in 1912

On this day in 1912, ex-President Theodore Roosevelt storms out of the Republican Party convention. Perhaps you know that Roosevelt...

This Day in History: George H.W. Bush in World War II

tara

Jun 123 min read

This Day in History: George H.W. Bush in World War II

On this day in 1924, George H.W. Bush is born. You know him as the 41st President of the United States, but do you know about his...

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...

This Day in History: A love story of the Revolution

tara

Mar 73 min read

This Day in History: A love story of the Revolution

On this day in 1777, future President John Adams writes three letters to his wife, Abigail Adams. The partnership and marriage between...

This Day in History: George Washington's Call to Service

tara

Feb 163 min read

This Day in History: George Washington's Call to Service

On this day in 1789, George Washington receives a letter from his friend Henry Knox. The two had been awaiting the outcome of our...

This Day in History: Washington’s Birthday a federal holiday

tara

Jan 313 min read

This Day in History: Washington’s Birthday a federal holiday

On this day in 1879, Congress makes George Washington’s birthday a holiday. As far as the federal government is concerned, there is no...

This Day in History: First Live Televised Press Conference

tara

Jan 252 min read

This Day in History: First Live Televised Press Conference

On this day in 1961, John F. Kennedy becomes the first United States President to give a live, televised press conference. Modern...

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: George Washington passes away

tara

Dec 14, 20233 min read

This Day in History: George Washington passes away

On this day in 1799, President George Washington passes away. He was living in retirement at Mount Vernon at the time. The importance of...

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: John Quincy Adams's dangerous voyage

tara

Nov 8, 20233 min read

This Day in History: John Quincy Adams's dangerous voyage

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...

This Day in History: President William McKinley is shot

tara

Sep 6, 20233 min read

This Day in History: President William McKinley is shot

On this day in 1901, President William McKinley is shot by a gunman. He would pass away eight days later. The McKinleys were then...

This Day in History: Gerald Ford pardons Richard Nixon

tara

Aug 8, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Gerald Ford pardons Richard Nixon

On this day in 1974, President Richard Nixon announces his resignation from office. He’d been facing impeachment and possible criminal...

This Day in History: “I do not choose to run for president”

tara

Aug 2, 20233 min read

This Day in History: “I do not choose to run for president”

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...

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