Could Pearl Harbor happen again? December 7, 1941 — Today marks the anniversary of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor — a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy against... Read More
What sparked the Great New Orleans Fire? March 21, 1788 — The Great New Orleans Fire today blew through 856 of the 1,100 structures in New Orleans, Louisiana (aka: New... Read More
Who founded a settlement today that will become Chicago? March 12, 1773 — Jean Baptiste Point du Sable is considered the first man to make his home in a US settlement, which today is... Read More
What is the history of the leap year? February 29, 1800 — Known as the leap day of the Gregorian calendar, February 29 is a date that occurs in... Read More
What is the theory behind the “Communist Manifesto,” which was published today in 1848? February 26, 1848 — Today, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published their “Communist Manifesto” — a political pamphlet recognised as one of the world’s most... Read More
Which was the first American ship to sail from the US to China in 1784? February 22, 1784 — The first US ship to conduct trade with China, “Empress of China,” sailed from New York today.... Read More
Who was the first female telegraph operator? February 21, 1846 — Sarah Bagley (April 19, 1805 – June 23, 1883) today became America’s first woman telegraph operator. An advocate... Read More
Who was Jonathan Cilley? February 24, 1838 — Today, Jonathan Cilley of Maine (pictured right) was killed by Representative William Graves of Kentucky in a duel... Read More
Celebrate President’s Day with a history lesson: What is the story behind dueling in America? February 20, 1839 — Today, Congress passed legislation barring the practice of dueling in the District of Columbia. Passage of the law... Read More
What were the Apache Wars, and how long did they last? February 4, 1861 — Apache Chief Cochise was arrested in Arizona today by the U.S. Army for raiding a ranch.... Read More
Who manufactured the first adding machine? February 5, 1887 — Dorr Eugene Felt (1862–1930) of Beloit, Wisconsin began manufacturing his comptometer today, taking the adding machine to new heights.... Read More
Who was Arthur St. Clair? February 2, 1787 — Arthur St. Clair was elected the 9th president of the Continental Congress today. One of his first jobs... Read More
