What is National Freedom Day? February 1, 1865 — Today is National Freedom Day, which celebrates the signing of a resolution that proposed the 13th Amendment of... Read More
What was Shays’ Rebellion? January 25, 1787 — Shays’ Rebellion suffered a setback today when debt-ridden farmers, led by Capt Daniel Shays, failed to capture... Read More
How many earthquakes struck New Madrid, Missouri? January 23, 1812 — Three earthquakes struck New Madrid, Missouri between 1811-1812, including one that hit today. They remain the most... Read More
Why did haberdasher John Hetherington’s top hat cause so much controversy in 1797? January 15, 1797 — English haberdasher John Hetherington supposedly caused a riot when he first wore a top hat in public today. Reportedly, “he... Read More
What was the Flag Act of 1794? January 13, 1794 — The Flag Act of 1794 was signed into law by President George Washington today, providing for 15 stripes as well as 15 stars. The change... Read More
Who was the first Jewish person elected to office in America? January 11, 1775 — Francis Salvador (1747-1776) became the first Jew elected to public office in the colonies when today to be... Read More
Who was Robert Owen and what were his views on socialism? January 3, 1825 — Scottish factory owner Robert Owen (May 14, 1771 – November 17, 1858) bought 30,000 acres in Indiana today as a... Read More
What is the Treaty of New Echota? December 29, 1835 — The Treaty of New Echota is signed today, ceding all the lands of the Cherokee east of... Read More
What was the world’s first public railway to use a steam locomotive? December 27, 1825 — The world’s first public railway using a steam locomotive was completed in England today by the Stockton and... Read More
How many copies of “A Christmas Carol” are bought when it is published today in 1843? December 19, 1843 — “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is published today, selling 6,000 copies the first day. The idea... Read More
Where was the Aztec calendar rediscovered today in 1790? December 17, 1790 — The Aztec calendar stone — known as the Sun Stone, or Stone of the Five Eras... Read More
What caused the “Great Fire of New York,” which started this evening at 25 Merchant Street, NYC? December 16, 1835 — Fire consumed nearly 700 buildings buildings in New York City today. It spread to 17 city blocks — but only... Read More
