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History of United States

Name: United States
Address: United States, 0, USA

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Also known as(USA) (American Colonies)

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About United States

United States - United States - Thomas Circle, Washington, D.C.

In 1853. George Crum, of the United States, invented potato chips. We imagine his version of the snack contained far less chemicals than the potato chips of today.

An important invention coming from the United States was that of toilet paper, invented in 1857 by Joseph Gayetty. Thank you, Joseph!

U.S. Christmas: Immigrant settlers brought Father Christmas to the United States. Father Christmas's name was gradually changed to Santa Claus, from the Dutch name for Father Christmas, which is Sinter Claas. Although he has origins in Norse and pre-Christian mythology, Santa Claus took shape in the United States. Americans gave Santa Claus a white beard, dressed him in a red suit and made him a cheery old gentleman with red cheeks and a twinkle in his eye. American children believe that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole with his wife. All year he lists the names of children, both those who have been good and those who have been bad. He decides what presents to give to the good children. He oversees the manufacturing and wrapping of the presents by his helpers. worldholidaytraditions.com

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VINTAGE UNITED STATES

United States Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

United States

Postcard

Thomas Circle, Washington, D.C.

United States

1861 ad

For President and Vice-President
For President: Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi
For Vice-President: Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia

The Semi-Weekly State Journal
Raleigh, North Carolina
September 18, 1861

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1884 Grover Cleveland campaign poster

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Love Lessons from the Lowly

Plain Dealer
Ohio
November 16, 1896

United States

Open Air Courtship

Plain Dealer
Ohio
June 28, 1898

United States

1898 Free Fairy Calendar

The Ladies' Home Journal
January 1898

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Quaker Oats

The Ladies' Home Journal
February 1898

United States

Postcard

Times Square, New York City

United States

1900 advertisement
What Shall We Have for Dessert?
Jell-O

Lewiston Journal
Lewiston, Maine
October 1, 1900

United States

Washing and Drying the Hair

National Labor Tribune
Pennsylvania
February 1, 1900

United States

The Ideal Brain Tonic
Delightful Summer and Winter Beverage
Specific for Headache
Relieves Mental & Physical Exhaustion
Coca-Cola

United States

Postcard

Herald Square, New York, New York

United States

William McKinley Campaign Poster (1900)

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William Jennings Bryan Campaign Poster (1900)

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1918 Red Cross ad

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Postcard

Michigan Ave. Bridge, Chicago, Illinois

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Postcard

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

United States

World War II Red Cross ad

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Escape Gray Hair

Canute Water

The Berkshire Evening Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
March 14, 1944

United States

Pillsbury's Soy Golden Bake Mix

Exciting Muffin with SOY!

The Berkshire Evening Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
March 14, 1944

United States

WWII ad for Camel cigarettes

The Berkshire Evening Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
March 14, 1944

GENEALOGY SHOP

Genealogy Gifts & Finds

Discover gifts inspired by United States , plus books and genealogy resources for exploring your family history.

FEATURED GIFTS

Gifts Inspired by UNITED STATES

USA - Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday Mug – Funny Genealogy Coffee Cup (1776–2026)

Raise a mug to 250 years of American history… and one very resilient family! The Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday Mug delivers patriotic pride with a side of genealogy humor, featuring the bold caption: “MY Family Survived 250 Years – Barely.” Perfect for family historians, genealogy enthusiasts, and history buffs, this high-quality ceramic mug holds 11 oz or 15 oz of coffee, tea, or research fuel and is dishwasher & microwave safe. Ideal for reunions, heritage events, or late-night census digging, it’s a hilarious, conversation-starting tribute to perseverance, family, and the caffeine that keeps us going!

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MILITARY - Honoring WWII Heroes Ceramic Coffee Mug – World War II Veteran Tribute Gift

Start each day with gratitude and remembrance. This 11oz or 15oz (your choice) ceramic mug pays tribute to the brave men and women of World War II, perfect for veterans, military families, history enthusiasts, or anyone who honors freedom.

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MAYFLOWER Genealogy Gift - Mayflower Descendant Vintage Postcard Mug Ceramic Genealogy Coffee Mug Family History Gift

Introducing our exclusive Mayflower Legacy Postcards Ceramic Coffee Mug, a tribute to your roots that runs deep! Celebrate the resilience and adventurous spirit of your ancestors who sailed on the iconic Mayflower in 1620 with every comforting sip.

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MILITARY - My Ancestor Dumped the Tea! A REVOLUTIONARY Genealogy Coffee Mug for History Lovers - Vintage Postcards

Some family stories are whispered. Others were shouted into Boston Harbor. Celebrate your rebellious roots with this “My Ancestor Dumped the Tea!” coffee mug. Featuring vivid vintage Boston Tea Party postcard artwork, it’s the perfect gift for genealogy buffs, history lovers, and anyone with a playful patriotic streak. Sip your morning coffee while honoring the ancestors who literally made history in 1773.

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Sip the Steam - Railway Nostalgia - Vintage Postcards Mug - All Aboard the Golden Age!

Relive the golden age of rail travel with every sip! This ceramic mug features two steam train postcards from the early 1900s, perfect for steam locomotive lovers, history buffs, or anyone captivated by nostalgic train journeys.

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MILITARY - REVOLUTIONARY Roots: American Revolution Ancestor Anti-Tax Tariffs Coffee Mug

Celebrate your revolutionary roots with our "My Ancestor Fought in the American Revolutionary War" ceramic coffee mug! This mug is perfect for sipping your favorite brew while honoring your ancestor's contribution to American history. The humorous caption, "which is why I never stop complaining about taxes!" adds a playful twist to your patriotic pride.

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MILITARY - U.S. CIVIL WAR - My Ancestor Fought in the Civil War - Ceramic Coffee Mug

Sip your favorite brew from this inspiring mug that pays tribute to your ancestor's bravery. This mug features images of actual Civil War soldiers. The caption, "My Ancestor Fought in the Civil War. That explains my appreciation for freedom," is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

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THANKSGIVING Mug – “Thankful My Ancestors Braved the Journey” Coffee Cup

Bring laughter to your Thanksgiving table with every sip! The Funny Thanksgiving Mug features the witty phrase: “I’m thankful my ancestors braved the journey to America so I could overeat and argue with family every November!”

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MILITARY - U.S. CIVIL WAR Stories Live in My Family History! Aluminum Bookmark

Celebrate your connection to history with this sleek and durable aluminum bookmark, featuring the slogan: “Civil War Stories Live in My Family History!” Perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone with a passion for uncovering their family’s past, this bookmark adds a touch of heritage to your reading. Whether you’re diving into historical novels or piecing together your family tree, this bookmark will keep your place in history. A thoughtful gift for history lovers and proud descendants of Civil War ancestors!

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MILITARY - Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.

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MILITARY - Honoring WWI Heroes Mug – Commemorative World War I Coffee Cup

Pay tribute to bravery and legacy with every sip. The Honoring WWI Heroes Mug is a thoughtful ceramic coffee cup designed to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served in World War I. Perfect for veterans’ families, history enthusiasts, educators, and genealogy researchers with WWI ancestors, it features a bold, respectful design that’s dishwasher & microwave safe. Ideal for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Armistice Day, or quiet everyday reflection, this mug is both a meaningful keepsake and a conversation starter. Raise your cup to heroes whose legacy should never be forgotten.

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Freedom of Speech & Press Mug – Est. 1791, Thanks Ancestors | Patriotic Coffee Cup

Sip like it’s 1791! This mug honors the Bill of Rights and the ancestors who risked it all so you could rant, post, and debate freely. Raise your mug to the brave ancestors who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today! This vibrant, historically inspired mug celebrates freedom of speech and press, established in 1791. Perfect for patriots, history lovers, genealogy enthusiasts, and anyone proud to honor the rights secured by our forebears.

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Garden Flag — "My Ancestors Marched, So I Can Vote" Women's Right to Vote - Protest

Garden Flag — "My Ancestors Marched, So I Can Vote" Women's Right to Vote - Protest This garden banner carries a quiet, resolute voice—an heirloom of courage you can display where neighbors stroll and guests linger. The vintage-inspired palette and bold lettering recall the marches and porches where women organized and voted, while the soft, weather-ready fabric moves gently in the breeze. Hang it on your front path or tuck it into a flowerbed to honor those who fought for the ballot and to remind the next generation that those freedoms were earned. It reads like a conversation on your lawn: proud, rooted, and personal. Use it during community events, election days, or whenever you want your yard to tell a story of persistence and pride.

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No Kings Here Garden Flag — Patriotic Revolutionary War House Banner (Since 1776) - Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

This garden banner brings a burst of historic spirit to your yard or front porch. Printed on lightweight poly poplin-canvas, the artwork shows Revolutionary-era patriots, a Betsy Ross–style flag, and the bold message “No Kings Here, Since 1776!” The muted vintage palette and distressed edges give it an aged, Americana feel that settles into cottage gardens, flagstone paths, and colonial-style doorways. Slide it onto a standard garden pole or stand and let the double-sided print carry the scene straight through the breeze — a small, proudly outspoken accent that sparks conversation during summer cookouts, Fourth of July gatherings, and neighborhood strolls.

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BOOKS & RESOURCES

Books & Genealogy Resources Related to UNITED STATES

American Cookery: The Historic Colonial Cookbook First Published in 1796

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LOCAL HISTORY

Discover United States : History, News, Travel, and Stories

Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped United States through the years.

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1753 - The lightning rod is invented (Benjamin Franklin, United States)

"Those of our Readers in this and the neighboring Provinces, who may have had an Opportunity of observing, during the present Summer, and of the Effects of Lightning on Houses, Ships, Trees, &c. are requested to take particular Notice of its Course, and Deviation from a strait Line in the Walls or other Matter affected by it, its different Operations or Effects on Wood, Stone, Bricks, Glass, Metals, Animal Bodies, &c. and every other Circumstance that may tend to discover the Nature, and compleat the History of that terrible Meteor. Such Observations being put in Writing, and communicated to Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia, will be very thankfully accepted and acknowledged."

The Philadelphia Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1753

"...In short, to use the handsome language of president Adams, 'nothing, perhaps, that ever occurred on earth, could have better tended to confer universal celebrity on man than did these lightning rods of doctor Franklin's. The idea was...

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1764 - British Government issues the Sugar Act

In 1764, the British government passed the Sugar Act as part of a broader effort to tighten control over its American colonies and address the heavy debts left over from the French and Indian War. While earlier trade laws had existed, this act marked a turning point because it was designed first and foremost to generate revenue rather than merely regulate commerce.

The Sugar Act placed duties on sugar, molasses, coffee, wine, and other imported goods, and it strengthened enforcement by expanding the use of vice-admiralty courts, where accused smugglers were tried without a jury. Although the tax on molasses was technically lower than previous rates, it was enforced far more strictly, meaning colonists paid more in practice than ever before.

For many colonists, the Sugar Act was alarming not only because it raised prices but because it asserted Parliament’s right to tax them without their consent. Merchants, especially in New England, felt the impact immediately, and protests...

1765 -The British government issues the Stamp Act.

In 1765, Parliament passed the Stamp Act, a measure that fundamentally altered the relationship between Britain and its American colonies. Unlike earlier taxes that focused on trade, the Stamp Act was the first direct tax levied on the colonists themselves. Beginning in November 1765, it required that a wide range of printed materials, including newspapers, legal documents, licenses, pamphlets, and even playing cards, carry an official British stamp purchased from the government.

This requirement struck at the heart of colonial daily life. Printed materials were essential to commerce, law, and political discussion, and colonists resented being forced to pay for a government seal on activities they had long conducted freely. Opposition was swift and widespread. Public protests erupted, tax collectors were intimidated or forced to resign, and colonial leaders organized a coordinated response through the Stamp Act Congress, which formally petitioned the Crown and Parliament to repeal...

1769 - By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in the law

By the late 1760s, legal thinking in the American colonies closely followed English common law, most clearly expressed in Sir William Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England. In 1769, this framework reinforced the doctrine of coverture, the principle that upon marriage, a husband and wife were considered a single legal entity.

Under coverture, that single legal identity belonged almost entirely to the husband. As Blackstone famously explained, a married woman’s legal existence was effectively “suspended” during marriage and absorbed into that of her husband. She could not independently own property, enter contracts, or bring lawsuits in her own name. In exchange, the law claimed that the husband owed his wife protection and support, though in practice this often left women with little legal recourse.

In the American colonies, these rules shaped everyday life and sharply limited married women’s rights and autonomy. While some women found informal ways to exert influence...

1774 -The Coercive Acts (called Intolerable Acts by Americans)

In 1774, Parliament responded to the Boston Tea Party with a sweeping set of punitive measures known in Britain as the Coercive Acts and in the colonies as the Intolerable Acts. Their purpose was both practical and symbolic: to punish Massachusetts for its defiance and to warn the other colonies of the consequences of resistance to imperial authority.

The Boston Port Act struck first and hardest by closing the port of Boston until the East India Company was compensated for the destroyed tea, effectively paralyzing the city’s economy. The Massachusetts Government Act followed by drastically altering the colony’s charter, placing greater power in the hands of the royal governor and sharply limiting town meetings, which had long been a cornerstone of local self-government. The Administration of Justice Act further alarmed colonists by allowing British officials accused of crimes committed in the colonies to be tried in Great Britain, raising fears that royal authorities could act with ...

1775 - Paul Revere's famous ride (April 18)

In 1774 and the Spring of 1775 Paul Revere was employed by the Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Massachusetts Committee of Safety as an express rider to carry news, messages, and copies of resolutions as far away as New York and Philadelphia.

On the evening of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere was sent for by Dr. Joseph Warren and instructed to ride to Lexington, Massachusetts, to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops were marching to arrest them. After being rowed across the Charles River to Charlestown by two associates, Paul Revere borrowed a horse from his friend Deacon John Larkin. While in Charlestown, he verified that the local "Sons of Liberty" committee had seen his pre-arranged signals. (Two lanterns had been hung briefly in the bell-tower of Christ Church in Boston, indicating that troops would row "by sea" across the Charles River to Cambridge, rather than marching "by land" out Boston Neck. Revere had arranged for these signals the previous...

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1775 - First shots of Revolutionary War fired in Lexington and Concord.(April 19)

The Battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, kicked off the American Revolutionary War (1775-83). Tensions had been building for many years between residents of the 13 American colonies and the British authorities, particularly in Massachusetts. On the night of April 18, 1775, hundreds of British troops marched from Boston to nearby Concord in order to seize an arms cache. Paul Revere and other riders sounded the alarm, and colonial militiamen began mobilizing to intercept the Redcoat column. A confrontation on the Lexington town green started off the fighting, and soon the British were hastily retreating under intense fire. Many more battles followed, and in 1783 the colonists formally won their independence.

www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-lexington-and-concord

April 19, 1775

June 14, 1775 - Colonies establish a Continental Army to be headed by George Washington.

The decision to establish the Continental Army was a crucial step in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Before this, the colonies had been relying on local militias to confront British forces. However, as tensions escalated and it became clear that a more organized and unified military force was necessary, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Army.

George Washington, a respected military leader from Virginia, was chosen to lead the army. His leadership and strategic acumen would prove instrumental in guiding the colonies to eventual victory over the British. Under Washington's command, the Continental Army faced numerous challenges, including harsh winters, supply shortages, and a formidable enemy. Despite these difficulties, Washington's leadership helped to keep the army together and maintain morale during trying times.

The establishment of the Continental Army marked a significant milestone in the American Revolution, signaling...

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Continental Navy created (October 1775)

The Continental Navy was established in October 1775 during the American Revolutionary War as the naval force of the Thirteen Colonies. The Continental Congress created it to disrupt British supply lines and provide support to the Continental Army. The Navy began with the commissioning of small ships, and its first mission was to intercept British supply vessels. Over time, it grew in size and capability, playing a crucial role in securing American independence. Key figures included John Paul Jones, who became famous for his daring naval exploits. The Continental Navy laid the foundation for what would eventually become the United States Navy.

1775 - The Battle of Québec was fought on December 31 between the American Continental Army and British defenders of Québec City. It was the first major defeat for the Americans in the Revolutionary War.

The Battle of Québec, fought on December 31, 1775, was a significant conflict during the American Revolutionary War. The American Continental Army, led by Generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold, attempted to capture Québec City from the British. The attack aimed to rally Canadian support for the American cause and secure a critical northern stronghold. However, the assault was poorly coordinated, and the Americans faced harsh winter conditions. The British defenders, under General Guy Carleton, successfully repelled the attack, resulting in a decisive defeat for the Americans. This battle marked the first major setback for the Continental Army in the war.

December 31, 1775

1776 - 10,000 British and German troops arrive in May and drive the Continental Army out of the province of Québec

In May 1776, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, a force of roughly 10,000 British and German troops arrived in the province of Québec, dramatically altering the balance of power in the northern theater of the conflict. The Continental Army, which had mounted an ambitious invasion of Canada the previous year in an effort to bring Québec into the rebellion, was unable to withstand this well-supplied and highly disciplined reinforcement.

The arrival of these troops forced the Americans to retreat, ultimately back to Fort Ticonderoga in New York, marking the failure of the northern invasion campaign. The British and their German allies, often referred to as Hessians, were strategically significant not only for their numbers but also for their experience in European-style warfare, which contrasted with the largely volunteer, irregular forces of the Continental Army.

This setback underscored the challenges faced by the revolutionary forces in extending the...

1776 -The American revolution gains support from King Louis XVI of France

In 1776, King Louis XVI of France actively supported the North American colonists in their quest for independence from Great Britain. This support ultimately led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized the United States as an independent nation. However, this involvement also contributed to France's financial crisis and played a role in the unpopularity of the Ancien Régime, eventually leading to the convening of the Estates General in 1789.

May 2, 1776

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1776 - American Declaration of Independence (July 4)

TRENTON, July 8.

The declaration of Independence was this day proclaimed here, together with the new constitution of late, established, and the resolve of the Provincial Congress for continuing the administration of justice during the interim.

The members of the Provincial Congress, the gentlemen of the Committee, the officers and privates of the Militia under arms and a large concourse of the inhabitants attended on this great and solemn occasion. The declaration and other proceedings were received with loud acclamations.

The people are now convinced of what we ought long since to have known, that our enemies have left us no middle way between perfect freedom and abject slavery.

In the Field we hope, as well as in Council, the inhabitants of New Jersey will be found ever ready to support the Freedom and Independence of...

1776 - Congress renames the nation "United States of America" (September 9)

On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress formally declares the name of the new nation to be the "United States" of America. This replaced the term "United Colonies," which had been in general use.

In the Congressional declaration dated September 9, 1776, the delegates wrote, "That in all continental commissions, and other instruments, where, heretofore, the words 'United Colonies' have been used, the stile be altered for the future to the "United States."...

www.history.com

September 9, 1776

1777 - All states pass laws which take away women’s right to vote.

In the years surrounding the American Revolution, ideas about liberty and political rights expanded dramatically, but those expansions were uneven and often exclusionary. By 1777, the states had begun to formalize voting laws, and in doing so, all thirteen moved to restrict the franchise to men, effectively removing women’s right to vote where it had previously existed or been ambiguously permitted.

In several states, including New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, earlier voting practices had not explicitly barred women, particularly property-holding women, from participating in elections. As new state constitutions and election laws were written, these openings were closed. Lawmakers increasingly defined voters as male citizens, reflecting prevailing beliefs about gender roles and political authority rather than the revolutionary rhetoric of universal rights.

This shift represented a significant setback for women’s political participation at the very moment the nation...

1777 - The Articles of Confederation Were Adopted (November 15)

On November 15, 1777, the second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. Then they needed approval from the states.

Still at war with Great Britain, the colonists were not eager to establish another powerful national government. Three-and-a-half years passed before the states ratified the Articles.

Eventually replaced by the United States Constitution of 1789, the Articles of Confederation did provide some stability during the Revolutionary War years. Most important, they provided valuable lessons in self-governance and somewhat calmed fears about a powerful central government.

www.americaslibrary.gov

November 15, 1777

1784 - The bifocal lens is invented (Benjamin Franklin, United States)

"While living in Paris, Franklin hated having to change constantly from reading glasses to distance glasses. He directed an optician to cut two pairs of lenses horizontally in half and mount them in a new frame, with the reading lens at the bottom and the distance lens at the top - Voila, Bifocals!" (pbs.org)

"In a letter to George Wheatley, dated Passy, May, 23, 1783, Benjamin Franklin describes and illustrates a pair of bifocal glasses which had had made for his use by Dollond, the famous optician of London. Just why this useful invention of Franklin's was allowed to lapse into obscurity for many generations after its discovery, is not known. One one think that a practical optician such as Dollond would have grasped its value, and that its usefulness, so easily demonstrated, would have introduced it at once into popular vogue.

Franklin, following his invariable custom, did not patent his idea, so that there was no restriction on Dollond or any other optician who wished to make ...

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1784 - The Continental Congress Ratified the Treaty of Paris Ending the Revolutionary War (January 14)

On September 3, 1783, more than a year after the last shots were fired, a peace treaty was drawn up in Paris. Under the terms of the treaty, the United States was granted territory as far west as the Mississippi River.

After the Treaty of Paris was signed, it was sent to the Continental Congress. The United States had six months to ratify the document and return it to England. With the journey requiring approximately two months, the treaty needed to be on its way back to England by January. The valuable document almost did not arrive in time.

A ratifying convention was scheduled at the Maryland State House in November, but many of the delegates did not arrive right away. By January 12, only seven of the 13 states had sent their representatives. Operating under the weak Articles of Confederation, the Continental Congress lacked the power to enforce attendance at the convention. On January 13, the convention needed one more delegate. Finally, South Carolina Representative Richard ...

1787 - U.S. Constitution ratified (September 17)

The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia met between May and September of 1787 to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation. The United States Constitution that emerged from the convention established a federal government with more specific powers, including those related to conducting relations with foreign governments. Under the reformed federal system, many of the responsibilities for foreign affairs fell under the authority of an executive branch, although important powers, such as treaty ratification, remained the responsibility of the legislative branch. After the necessary number of state ratifications, the Constitution came into effect in 1789 and has served as the basis of the United States Government ever since.

history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/convention-and-ratification

September 17, 1787

1789 - April 30 - George Washington (1732–1799) became 1st President of the United States

On April 30, 1789, in a deep, low voice, George Washington gave his first speech as president of the United States. This speech is now known as the first presidential inaugural address. He spoke to a joint session of Congress that had gathered in Federal Hall (New York City, then the nation's capital).

Washington kept his first speech very simple. He spoke about ideas for amendments to the Constitution. He finished by asking for a “divine blessing” on the American people and their elected representatives.

It may sound odd, but George Washington did not run for president of the United States. He did not want to be president. George Washington hesitated at first about becoming President, but he served two terms in...

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1789 - Congress Officially Created the U.S. Military (September 29)

In its very first session, the United States Congress had a lot of decisions to make. One important topic the first representatives and senators needed to address was establishing the U.S. military. There already was a colonial army - the Continental Army - that had fought the British in the American Revolution and won under General George Washington. But this army was not the official army of the United States.

Finally, on September 29, 1789, the last day of its first session, the U.S. Congress passed an act to establish the United States military.

www.americaslibrary.gov

September 29, 1789

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1791 - The Bill of Rights takes effect (December 15)

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, confirming the fundamental rights of American citizens. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech, and the press, the rights of peaceful assembly and petition.

George Mason, the "Father of the Bill of Rights," carefully wrote out these amendments to ensure individual liberties. He was a lifelong champion of the rights and freedoms of people.

The first 10 amendments guarantee the right of the people to keep and bear arms, the rights of private property, fair treatment of those accused of crimes, protection from unreasonable search and seizure, freedom from self-incrimination, a speedy and impartial jury trial, and representation by...

1793 - The cotton gin is invented (Eli Whitney, United States)

The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793 marked a pivotal moment in the history of American agriculture and the economy. This simple yet revolutionary device mechanized the process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds, a task that was previously done by hand and was extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming.

The Problem Before the Cotton Gin
Before Whitney's invention, separating cotton fibers from seeds was a tedious and inefficient process. Workers could clean only a few pounds of cotton per day, which limited cotton production and made it a less profitable crop. The manual labor required also kept the costs high and the process slow, hindering the expansion of cotton farming, especially in the southern United States.

Eli Whitney's Innovation
Eli Whitney, an American inventor, recognized the need for a more efficient method of processing cotton. He designed a machine that used a combination of hooks and a rotating drum to pull the cotton fibers...

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1797 - March 4 - John Adams (1735-1826) becomes 2nd President of the United States

The presidential election was the first contested election in the United States. When the final tabulation of votes arrived at the senate, ironically it was Adams who opened the envelope as he was President of the Senate. John Adams won with seventy one votes and Thomas Jefferson received sixty eight therefore becoming Vice President. As expected Adams received every Electoral College vote from New England while Jefferson controlled the South. Adams served for one term from 1797 to 1801 and was succeeded by Thomas Jefferson.

www.john-adams-heritage.com/ presidency/

March 4, 1797

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1800 - Population of the United States of America - 5,308,500

By 1800, the United States was still a young nation, but its population had already grown to approximately 5.3 million people. This rapid increase reflected both natural population growth and steady immigration, particularly from Europe, as people were drawn by the promise of land, economic opportunity, and political freedom.

The population remained overwhelmingly rural, with most Americans living on farms or in small towns scattered along the Atlantic seaboard and the expanding western frontier. Cities such as Philadelphia, New York, and Boston were growing, but they housed only a small fraction of the population. Enslaved people made up a significant portion of the total, especially in the southern states, highlighting the deep contradiction between the nation’s democratic ideals and the continued existence of slavery.

This population size had important political and economic implications. It influenced representation in Congress, shaped debates over westward expansion, and...

1801 - March 4 - Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) becomes 3rd President of the United States

On February 17, 1801, Thomas Jefferson was elected president of the United States, but there was more to it than beating his opponent. When Thomas Jefferson ran for president, he beat his opponent, John Adams, but he tied with his running mate, Aaron Burr. So, who was to be the president and who was to be the vice president? It was up to the House of Representatives to decide, and most of the congressmen did not like the idea of voting for Jefferson. He wasn't even a member of the same political party as they were. Jefferson and Burr campaigned against each other for six days. Finally, Thomas Jefferson won the support of Congress and became the third president of the United States. Burr, as a result, became vice president. Congress decided to establish a process so they wouldn't have to make that decision again.

Three years after Jefferson was elected, the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution was adopted. This amendment states that the ballots used in the election process should...

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1803 - Louisiana Purchase - The United States doubled its size by purchasing this territory from Spain. (October 20)

The Louisiana Purchase was a monumental event in U.S. history where the United States, on October 20, 1803, doubled its size by purchasing a vast territory from France, not Spain, for $15 million. This deal included land that would become 15 new states, stretching from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, and significantly expanded the nation's resources and geopolitical influence. The purchase was negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson and facilitated by France's need for funds due to the Napoleonic Wars.

Senate Ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty

In the 1800s, in the United States, pioneers and homesteaders eagerly moved west to start a new life in the plains, hills and mountains west of the Mississippi River. This movement could not have happened without the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, approved by the Senate on October 20, 1803, by a vote of 24-to-7. The agreement, which provided for the purchase of the western half of the Mississippi River basin from France ...

1804 - Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death (July 11)

On the morning of July 11, 1804, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr raised their dueling pistols and took aim. Hamilton, the former secretary of the treasury, and Vice President Burr were longstanding political rivals and personal enemies. Burr might have been the president instead of vice president, had it not been for Hamilton's interference. When Burr's term as vice president was almost over, he ran for governor of New York. Hamilton, once again, prevented Burr from winning by opposing his candidacy. Burr retaliated by challenging Hamilton to a duel.

Standing on the heights of Weehawken, New Jersey, Hamilton and Burr fired their pistols. Some people said that Hamilton purposely missed Burr. Burr's shot, however, fatally wounded Hamilton, leading to his death the following day. Aaron Burr escaped unharmed.

Burr was indicted for murder, but the charges were later...

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1805 - Lewis and Clark reach Pacific (November 15)

Nov. 7, 1805 - Camped opposite Pillar Rock, between Brookfield and Dahlia, Washington, west of Jim Crow Point. "Great joy in camp we are in view of the Ocian this great Pacific Ocean which we been so long anxious to See. and the roreing or noise made by the waves braking on the rockey shores (as I Suppose) may be heard distinctly." Although they were really only seeing the Columbia Estuary, the men of the Corps were certainly happy to be near their goal.

Nov. 15, 1805 - Lewis reached the Pacific Ocean near modern Seaview, Washington. Clark noted that it rained until 3 p.m.; there were 11 straight days of rain; he moved camp once more to Haley's Bay, where they stayed until November 24.

www.nps.gov/ jeff/ historyculture/ lewis-and-clark-timeline-1805.htm

November 15, 1805

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1809 - March 4 - James Madison (1751-1836) becomes 4th President of the United States

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson as president, defeating Charles C. Pinckney. His wife, Dolley Payne Todd, whom he married in 1794, brought a new social sparkle to the executive mansion. In the meantime, increasing tension with Britain culminated in the War of 1812—a war for which the United States was unprepared and for which Madison lacked the executive talent to clear out incompetence and mobilize the nation's energies. Madison was reelected in 1812, running against the Federalist De Witt Clinton. In 1814, the British actually captured Washington and forced Madison to flee to Virginia.

Madison's domestic program capitulated to the Hamiltonian policies that he had resisted 20 years before and he now signed bills to establish a United States Bank and a higher tariff.

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March 4, 1809

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1816 - Year without a summer

The year 1816 has been aptly characterized as the year without a summer. Several of the preceding summers were so cold as to suggest a possible future famine. This tendency to frigidity reached its greatest intensity in the summer of 1816. The phenomenal coldness of that year was not confined to a small area. It prevailed through the United States and Canada and extended to Europe. That there were reasons for alarm, especially in the new settlements of eastern Maine, already impoverished by untoward events extending through several years, will be understood by a perusal of the following graphic account from a reliable source :

"The year 1816 was known throughout the United States and Europe as the coldest ever experienced by any person then living. Very few persons now living can recollect it. The following is a brief summary of the weather during each month of that year: January was so mild as to render fires almost unnecessary in parlors. February, with the exception of a few...

1817 - March 4 - James Monroe (1758-1831) becomes 5th President of the United States

Elected president in 1816 over the Federalist Rufus King, and reelected without opposition in 1820, Monroe, the last of the Virginia dynasty, pursued the course of systematic tranquilization that won for his administrations the name “the era of good feeling.” He continued Madison's surrender to the Hamiltonian domestic program, signed the Missouri Compromise, acquired Florida, and with the able assistance of his secretary of state, John Quincy Adams, promulgated the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, declaring against foreign colonization or intervention in the Americas. He died in New York City on July 4, 1831, the third president to die on the anniversary of Independence.

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March 4, 1817

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The Panic of 1819 - A combination of bad banking practices; too much land speculation and competition from Europe caused the United States to enter its first economic depression.

In 1819 a financial panic swept across the country. The growth in trade that followed the War of 1812 came to an abrupt halt. Unemployment mounted, banks failed, mortgages were foreclosed, and agricultural prices fell by half. Investment in western lands collapsed...

The panic had several causes, including a dramatic decline in cotton prices, a contraction of credit by the Bank of the United States designed to curb inflation, an 1817 congressional order requiring hard-currency payments for land purchases, and the closing of many factories due to foreign competition...

By 1823 the panic was over. But it left a lasting imprint on American politics. The panic led to demands for the democratization of state constitutions, an end to restrictions on voting and office holding, and heightened hostility toward banks and other "privileged" corporations and monopolies. The panic also exacerbated tensions within the Republican Party and aggravated sectional tensions as northerners pressed...

1825 - March 4 - John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) becomes 6th President of the United States

When no presidential candidate received a majority of electoral votes in 1824, Adams, with the support of Henry Clay, was elected by the House in 1825 over Andrew Jackson, who had the original plurality. Adams had ambitious plans of government activity to foster internal improvements and promote the arts and sciences, but congressional obstructionism, combined with his own unwillingness or inability to play the role of a politician, resulted in little being accomplished.

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March 4, 1825

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1826 - Former US Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both die on the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.

On July 4, 1826, at the age of 90, Adams lay on his deathbed while the country celebrated Independence Day. His last words were Thomas Jefferson still survives. He was mistaken: Jefferson had died five hours earlier at Monticello at the age of 82.

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July 4, 1826

1827 - The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad is incorporated, becoming the first railroad in America offering commercial transportation of both people and freight.

On February 28, 1827, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad became the first U.S. railway chartered for commercial transport of passengers and freight. There were skeptics who doubted that a steam engine could work along steep, winding grades, but the Tom Thumb, designed by Peter Cooper, put an end to their doubts. Investors hoped a railroad would allow Baltimore, the second largest U.S. city at the time, to successfully compete with New York for western trade.

The first railroad track in the United States was only 13 miles long, but it caused a lot of excitement when it opened in 1830. Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, laid the first stone when construction on the track began at Baltimore harbor on July 4, 1828....

1829 - March 4 - Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) becomes 7th President of the United States.

As president, Jackson greatly expanded the power and prestige of the presidential office and carried through an unprecedented program of domestic reform, vetoing the bill to extend the United States Bank, moving toward a hard-money currency policy, and checking the program of federal internal improvements. He also vindicated federal authority against South Carolina with its doctrine of nullification and against France on the question of debts. The support given his policies by the workingmen of the East as well as by the farmers of the East, West, and South resulted in his triumphant reelection in 1832 over Clay.

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March 4, 1829

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1830 - The Indian Removal Act marks the beginning of the forced relocation of five tribes of native Americans, known as Trail of Tears

In 1830, the United States Congress passed the Indian Removal Act on May 28, ushering in one of the most tragic chapters in the nation’s history. Signed into law by President Andrew Jackson, the act authorized the federal government to negotiate treaties that would compel Native American tribes in the southeastern United States to relocate west of the Mississippi River, ostensibly “in exchange” for their ancestral lands. In practice, this law paved the way for the forced displacement of thousands of Native Americans.

The act was widely supported by white settlers and land speculators in the South, eager to acquire fertile land inhabited by the so-called “Five Civilized Tribes”: the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee-Creek, Seminole, and the original Cherokee Nation. These tribes had established relatively autonomous nations in the region, maintaining political, economic, and cultural institutions, yet their sovereignty was increasingly disregarded in the face of expansionist pressures....

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1837 - March 4 - Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) becomes 8th President of the United States

In 1832, Van Buren became vice president; in 1836, president. The Panic of 1837 overshadowed his term. He attributed it to the overexpansion of the credit and favored the establishment of an independent treasury as repository for the federal funds. In 1840, he established a 10-hour day on public works. Defeated by Harrison in 1840, he was the leading contender for the Democratic nomination in 1844 until he publicly opposed immediate annexation of Texas, and was subsequently beaten by the Southern delegations at the Baltimore convention. This incident increased his growing misgivings about the slave power.

After working behind the scenes among the anti-slavery Democrats, Van Buren joined in the movement that led to the Free-Soil Party and became its candidate for president in 1848. He subsequently returned to the Democratic Party while continuing to object to its pro-Southern...

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1837 - The Panic of 1837

The Panic of 1837 stands as one of the most severe economic crises in early American history, triggering a prolonged recession that lasted well into the mid-1840s. Its impact was immediate and widespread: profits evaporated, prices and wages fell, businesses failed, and unemployment soared. In some communities, as many as one in four workers found themselves without jobs, and a pervasive sense of economic despair colored daily life.

The causes of the panic were complex, combining both domestic and international pressures. Domestically, speculative lending in western states and a collapsing land bubble created financial instability. The sharp decline in cotton prices—then the backbone of the Southern economy—further weakened banks and merchants reliant on export revenues. International factors also played a role: restrictive lending policies in Great Britain limited the flow of credit, and fluctuations in specie, or gold and silver, undermined confidence in financial...

1840s - 1880s - The Oregon Trail

From the 1840s through the 1880s, the Oregon Trail became one of the most iconic routes of westward expansion in American history. Stretching roughly 2,170 miles from Missouri to the fertile Willamette Valley in Oregon, it was less a “road” than a chain of parallel ruts worn into the earth by countless wagons, horses, and oxen. Travelers faced an unbroken landscape of prairie, sagebrush desert, and rugged mountains, confronting both natural obstacles and the ever-present risks of disease, scarcity, and accidents.

The Trail was a lifeline for thousands of emigrants seeking new opportunities in the West, whether for farmland, trade, or the hope of a fresh start. Families often carried only what they could transport in covered wagons, balancing the need for essential supplies with the limitations of their vehicles. Along the way, communities formed temporarily around water sources or way stations, offering brief respite but never eliminating the harsh realities of the journey.

The...

1840 to 1860s - French-Canadian emigration to the United States

The large number of French-Canadians who crossed the border in the nineteenth century, particularly to the New England states, made their choice to seek a better life. These were predominantly young adults, some with families and others who were single. Traditionally, French-Canadian Americans had large families, and these numbers, coupled with dismal economic conditions, drove them south. Some estimates put the extent of the migration at 600,000, which had the effect of draining Canada of a generation.

Work in textile mills and the logging industry—anything besides the backbreaking farm work in Québec—was what drew them. For example, six mills opened in the Lewiston area of the state of Maine alone between 1819 and 1869. When they did settle, French-Canadian Americans sought to build a sense of community much like what they were used to "back home"—centered about a parish church and school, thus combining both the nuclear family and the extended family of the ethnic community. By...

1841 - March 4 - William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) becomes 9th President of the United States - dies one month after assuming the office.

Nominated for president in 1835 as a military hero whom the conservative politicians hoped to be able to control, he ran surprisingly well against Van Buren in 1836. Four years later, he defeated Van Buren but caught pneumonia and died in Washington on April 4, 1841, a month after his inauguration. Harrison was the first president to die in office.

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March 4, 1841

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1841 - Amistad: The Supreme Court of the United States rules in the case that the Africans who seized control of the ship had been taken into slavery illegally. (March 9)

On March 9, 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the enslaved Africans who had seized control of the Amistad slave ship had been illegally forced into slavery. As a result, they were considered free under American law. The Amistad case was a significant moment in the fight against slavery and highlighted the international struggle for justice and freedom.

March 9, 1841

1841 - April 4 - John Tyler (1790-1862) becomes 10th President of the United States.

Elected vice president on the Whig ticket in 1840, Tyler succeeded to the presidency on Harrison's death. His strict-constructionist views soon caused a split with the Henry Clay wing of the Whig party and a stalemate on domestic questions. Tyler's more considerable achievements were his support of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty with Britain and his success in bringing about the annexation of Texas.

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April 4, 1841

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1842 - The Webster–Ashburton Treaty is signed, establishing the United States–Canada border east of the Rocky Mountains. (August 9)

On August 9, 1842, the United States and Great Britain signed the Webster–Ashburton Treaty, a pivotal agreement that resolved long-standing territorial disputes and reinforced cooperation between the two nations. Negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster and British diplomat Alexander Baring, 1st Baron Ashburton, the treaty clarified the northeastern boundary of the United States, particularly between Maine and New Brunswick, ending years of uncertainty and occasional skirmishes in the region.

Beyond defining the border, the treaty granted the United States navigation rights on the St. John River and established a framework for the extradition of certain nonpolitical criminals, reflecting a growing emphasis on legal and diplomatic cooperation. Importantly, the agreement also included provisions for a joint naval effort to suppress the transatlantic slave trade along the African coast, signaling a shared commitment to humanitarian enforcement and international policing...

1843 - The world does not end, contrary to the first prediction by American preacher William Miller. (March 21)

William Miller is perhaps the most famous false prophet in history. In the 1840s he began to preach about the world's end, saying Jesus Christ would return for the long-awaited Second Coming and that Earth would be engulfed in fire sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. He circulated his message in public gatherings and by using the technologies of the day — posters, printed newsletters and charts. Moved by those messages, as many as 100,000 "Millerites" sold their belongings between 1840 and 1844 and took to the mountains to wait for the end.

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March 21, 1843

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1844 - This second date, predicted by the Millerites for the Second Coming of Jesus, leads to the Great Disappointment.

In 1844, the Millerite movement, a religious revival led by preacher William Miller, experienced what came to be known as the “Great Disappointment.” Miller, a Baptist preacher in upstate New York, had spent the early 1840s interpreting biblical prophecy and concluded that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ would occur between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. His message spread rapidly, attracting tens of thousands of followers who sold possessions, left jobs, and prepared themselves for the imminent end of the world.

When March 1844 passed without incident, Miller revised his prediction, ultimately setting the new date for October 22, 1844. On that day, the long-anticipated event again failed to materialize. The emotional and spiritual shock for Miller’s followers was profound, giving rise to what historians have called the “Great Disappointment.” Many left the movement in despair, while others sought explanations and reinterpretations of prophecy.

Out of the turmoil,...

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1845 - The refrigerator is invented (John Gorrie, United States)

"John Gorrie was born in 1803 and spent most of his childhood in South Carolina. After receiving a degree in medicine, he moved to Apalachicola, Florida, a port city on the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to practicing medicine, Gorrie studied tropical diseases. Like most physicians of the time, Gorrie incorrectly believed malaria, yellow fever, and other diseases were caused by hot air - a theory that was supported by his observation that 'nature would terminate the fevers by changing the seasons.' He wrote several articles urging people to drain swamps and marshlands, places where disease-carrying mosquitoes thrived. When Gorrie pursued the idea of using refrigeration to cool patients, he quickly discovered ice was expensive and sometimes hard to come by in the South, so he began exploring the potential of making artificial ice. By 1845, he quit practicing medicine to set about engineering an ice-making system. While receiving a US patent for his ice-making machine was a step forward,...

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1845 - March 4 - James K. Polk (1795-1849) becomes 11th President of the United States

When James K. Polk accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for the presidency, he was not very well known. The Whig opposition party played on his obscurity, sniping, "Who is James K. Polk?" An experienced speaker, Polk surprised everyone when he campaigned vigorously and won the presidency on November 5, 1844. He was called a "dark horse" candidate because he was not expected to beat his opponent, Henry Clay of the Whig Party, to become the 11th president of the United States.

Winning by a narrow margin, Polk campaigned on his strong support for westward expansion, a hotly debated issue that was dodged by other candidates. After taking office, Polk acted swiftly to fulfill his campaign promises, as he intended to serve only one term. In four years, he oversaw the addition of Texas, the reestablishment of an independent treasury system, and the acquisition of territory from Mexico. This new land from Mexico eventually became California, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and parts of...

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1846 - Mexican–American War: Open conflict begins over border disputes of Texas' boundaries. (April 25)

The war, stemming from the United States’ annexation of Texas in 1845 and from a dispute over whether Texas ended at the Nueces River (Mexican claim) or the Rio Grande (U.S. claim), resulted in the United States’ acquisition of more than 500,000 square miles (1,300,000 square km) of Mexican territory extending westward from the Rio Grande to the Pacific Ocean.

www.britannica.com

April 25, 1846

1847 - The United States issues its first postage stamps (July 1)

POST OFFICE STAMPS. Post-office stamps for the convenience of pre-paying postage are to be issued on the 1st of July. The stamp for ten cents will be of the head of Washington, colored black. The five cents' stamp will be colored brown, and will represent the head of Franklin. The law says --

"Any letter or packet, with one or more stamps affixed, equal in amount to the postage properly chargeable thereon, may be mailed and forwarded from any post office as a pre-paid letter or packet: but if the stamps affixed be not adequate to the proper postage, the postmaster receiving the letter will rate it with the amount deficient in addition."

The Sandusky Clarion

Sandusky, Ohio

July 6, 1847

1848 - Mexican–American War formally ends with signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ceding virtually all of what becomes the Southwestern United States to the U.S. (February 2)

On February 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, formally ending the Mexican-American War. As part of this treaty, Mexico ceded more than 525,000 square miles (1,360,000 square km) of land to the United States. This vast territory included present-day Arizona, California, western Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah1. The treaty marked a significant moment in U.S. history, completing the continental expansion of the United States except for the later Gadsden Purchase in 1853.

February 2, 1848

1849 - The safety pin is invented (Walter Hunt, United States)

THE SAFETY PIN.
Interesting Story of Its Inventor, Walter Hunt.

Buffalo Commercial.
John R. Chapin, now of Buffalo, gives some interesting reminiscences of Walter Hunt, who, in the opinion of may, including Mr. Chapin, was the real inventor of the sewing machine. "Let me close," he says "with an anecdote of his talent in the line of invention. He came inot my office on Nassau street one day looking quite down-hearted, and to my inquiry, 'What's the matter, Mr. Hunt?' he replied, 'I owe you $15, don't I, Chapin? Well, I've not a cent in the world, and don't know where to get one.' Upon my assurance that it did not matter, he said: 'Yes, but I don't know where to get a meal of victuals.' After walking the floor for a few minutes in a brown study he suddenly exclaimed: 'I have it. I'll be in this afternoon and pay you.' He went to his shop, took a piece of brass wire about eight inches long, sharpened one end, turned a coil in the center and a loop on the other end, bent it over and ...

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1849 - Regular steamboat service from the west to the east coast of the United States begins with the arrival of the SS California in San Francisco Bay. (February 28)

The California leaves New York Harbor on October 6, 1848, rounds Cape Horn at the tip of South America, and arrives at San Francisco, California after the 4 month 21 day journey.

In 1849, a significant milestone in American maritime history occurred on February 28th when the SS California arrived in San Francisco Bay. This marked the beginning of regular steamboat service connecting the west and east coasts of the United States. The SS California's journey was particularly notable because it facilitated faster and more reliable transportation during the California Gold Rush, enhancing commerce and communication between the two coasts. The service helped establish a vital link that contributed to the economic and population growth of California and the broader western United...

1849 - March 4 - Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) becomes 12th President of the United States. He dies in office after 16 months.

During the revival of the slavery controversy, which was to result in the Compromise of 1850, Taylor began to take an increasingly firm stand against appeasing the South; but he died in Washington on July 9, 1850, during the fight over the Compromise.

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March 4, 1849

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1849 - The United States Congress passes the Gold Coinage Act allowing the minting of gold coins. (March 3)

GOLD COINS
The following is the bill which passed the House of Representatives, authorizing the coinage of two important new gold pieces, of one and twenty dollars in value.

SEC. 1. Be it enacted, That it shall be lawful henceforward to make at the mint and its branches twenty dollar gold coins of the weight of five hundred and sixteen grains and gold collar coins of the weight of twenty five grains and eight-tenths, which coins shall be legal tenders of payment according to their nominal values.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the above mentioned coins shall be made, in all respects, in conformity with the existing laws regulating the coinage at the mints, except that on the reverse of the gold dollar the figure of the eagle shall be omitted.

SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That in adjusting the weights of gold coins henceforward, the following deviations from the standard weights shall not be exceeded in any of the single pieces; namely, in the double eagle, the ...

1850 - American Express is founded by Henry Wells & William Fargo. (March 19)

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY.
CAPITAL $150,000.

The American Express Company, having purchased the several Domestic Express Lines of Wells & Co., Livingston & Fargo and Butterfield, Wasson & Co., will hereafter carry on the express business on all the several lines at the places heretofore run and occupied by said several Express Lines.

The business of said American Express Company at and between New York and Buffalo and intermediate places will be transacted in the name of "Wells, Butterfield & Co." and at and between Buffalo, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis, and intermediate places, west of Buffalo, in the name of "Livingston, Fargo & Co."

DIRECTORS
WM. A LIVINGSTON.....Cincinnati
WM. G. FARGO.........Buffalo
JAMES McKAY..........Buffalo
JOHN BUTTERFIELD.....Utica
JAMES D. WASSON......Albany
HENRY WELLS..........New York
JOHNSTON LIVINGSTON..New York

J.W. WETHERELL, Agent for...

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1850 - July 9 - Millard Fillmore (1800-1874) becomes 13th President of the United States

As president, Fillmore associated himself with the pro-Southern Whigs, supporting the Compromise of 1850. Defeated for the Whig nomination in 1852, he ran for president in 1856 as candidate of the American, or Know-Nothing, Party, which sought to unite the country against foreigners in the alleged hope of diverting it from the explosive slavery issue. Fillmore opposed Lincoln during the Civil War.

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July 9, 1850

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1851 - Uncle Tom's Cabin Appeared in Serial Form (June 5)

This influential book is often included in lists of "causes of the Civil War" (1861-65). Harriet Beecher Stowe's story first appeared on June 5, 1851, in serial form, a chapter at a time, in a weekly publication called the National Era. It went on to become one of the nation's earliest bestsellers.

Harriet Beecher Stowe cared deeply about human rights. Her family was active in the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape to freedom in the North. For 18 years she observed a slave-holding community in Kentucky just across the Ohio River from where she lived in Cincinnati. She didn't like what she saw.

Stowe decided to write a fictional story about slavery and sent it to the editor of an anti-slavery weekly. He paid her $300 for the right to publish her story, and on June 5, 1851, the first chapter appeared in print. Over the next 10 months, Uncle Tom's Cabin, or Life Among the Lowly, was published in 40 installments. People started to discuss Uncle Tom's Cabin and pass around...

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1851 - Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick; or The Whale is published in the U.S. by Harper & Brothers, New York, after being first published on October 18 in London by Richard Bentley, in 3 volumes as The Whale. (November 14)

On November 14, 1851, Herman Melville’s ambitious novel Moby-Dick; or, The Whale was published in the United States by Harper & Brothers in New York, following its initial release in London on October 18 as The Whale in a three-volume edition by Richard Bentley. The book tells the story of Ishmael, a sailor aboard the whaling ship Pequod, and the ship’s captain, Ahab, whose monomaniacal pursuit of the enormous white sperm whale, Moby Dick, drives the narrative. The whale, having previously maimed Ahab by biting off his leg, becomes a symbol of nature’s inscrutable power and humanity’s obsessive tendencies.

At the time of its release, Moby-Dick received a mixed critical reception and struggled commercially. Critics were divided over its dense symbolism, sprawling narrative, and philosophical digressions on whaling and the natural world, and the novel did not resonate widely with contemporary readers. Despite this, its reputation grew steadily over the following decades. By the 20th...

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1853 - March 4 - Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) becomes 14th President of the United States

As president, Pierce followed a course of appeasing the South at home and of playing with schemes of territorial expansion abroad. The failure of his foreign and domestic policies prevented his renomination.

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March 4, 1853

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1854 - Republican Party formed for abolition of slavery. (March 20)

It began in a little schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1854. A small group of dedicated abolitionists gathered to fight the expansion of slavery, and they gave birth to a Party dedicated to freedom and equal opportunity.

The name “Republican” was chosen, alluding to Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party and conveying a commitment to the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Party was formally organized in July 1854 by thousands of anti-slavery activists at a convention in Jackson, Michigan.

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1855 - In Missouri v. Celia, a Slave, a Black woman is declared to be property without a right to defend herself against a master’s act of rape.

In 1855, the case of State of Missouri v. Celia, a Slave unfolded. Celia, an enslaved Black woman, was tried for the first-degree murder of her owner, Robert Newsom. The trial highlighted several disturbing aspects: it solidified that Black slaves did not have the right to self-defense, as they were considered property. Despite her desperate situation, Celia had no legal recourse to defend herself against her sexually abusive master.

1857 - March 4 - James Buchanan (1791-1868) becomes 15th President of the United States - the only bachelor to be President.

He was elected president in 1856, defeating John C. Frémont, the Republican candidate, and former President Millard Fillmore of the American Party. The growing crisis over slavery presented Buchanan with problems he lacked the will to tackle. His appeasement of the South alienated the Stephen Douglas wing of the Democratic Party without reducing Southern militancy on slavery issues. While denying the right of secession, Buchanan also denied that the federal government could do anything about it. He supported the administration during the Civil War.

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March 4, 1857

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1857 - Dred Scott v. Sandford: The Supreme Court of the United States rules that Blacks are not citizens and slaves can not sue for freedom, driving the country further towards the American Civil War. (March 6)

In Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Americans of African descent, whether free or enslaved, were not American citizens and could not sue in federal court. The Court also declared that Congress lacked the power to ban slavery in U.S. territories. This decision significantly escalated tensions, ultimately contributing to the onset of the American Civil War.

March 6, 1857

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1857 - A late season freeze brought snow to every state in the Union. Even as far south as Houston TX the mercury plunged to 21 degrees. (April 7)

WeatherForYou.com

April 7, 1857

1857 - Advice to Wives

ADVICE TO WIVES - A wife must learn how to form her husband's happiness, in what direction the secret of his comfort lies; she must not cherish his weaknesses by working upon them; she must not rashly run counter to his prejudices; her motto must be, never to irritate. she must study never to draw large upon the small stock of patience in a man's nature, nor to increase his obstinacy by trying to drive him; never if possible to have scenes. I doubt much if a real quarrel, even if made up, does not loosen the bond between man and wife, and sometimes, unless the affections of both are very sincere, lasting. If irritations should occur, a woman must expect to hear from most men a strength and vehemence of language far more that the occasion requires. Mild, as well as stern men, are prone to this exaggeration of language; let not a woman be tempted to say anything sarcastic or violet in retaliation. The bitterest repentence must needs follow if she does. Men frequently forget what they...

1857 - Toilet paper is invented (Joseph Gayetty, United States)

Really a Capital Production!
The celebrity of Gayett's Medicated Paper for the water-closet is rapidly being extended throughout the United States. It is one of the best articles ever put before the public. It obviates the use of chemically-poisoned white paper, and paper stained with pile producing printer's ink. It is as fine and light as bank-note paper, and as tough as stout paper. Nothing of more value and utility was ever before offered to the public. 1000 sheets cost only $1. 500 sheets 50 cents. Each sheet of the genuine contains the name of J. C. Gayetty, water-marked, -- get the wonderful article from any of the druggists, or from the proprietor, No. 41 Ann St., N. Y. It is sent by express from that place to any part of the United States.

The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer

Wheeling, West Virginia

November 30, 1858

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On December 20, 1860, a little over a month after Abraham Lincoln had been elected President, South Carolina seceded from the Union. Six more states followed by the spring of 1861.

civilwar.org/education/history/civil-war-overview/triggerevents.html

December 20, 1860

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1861 - American Civil War: The Confederate States of America are formed, comprising the first six break-away States (February 8)

On February 8, 1861, representatives from six seceded states — South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana — met in Montgomery, Alabama. Their purpose was to formally establish a unified government, which they named the Confederate States of America. This new confederation adopted a constitution that emphasized the sovereignty and independence of individual states. By the time Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated in March 1861, Texas had also joined the Confederacy, and federal troops held only Fort Sumter in South Carolina, Fort Pickens off the Florida coast, and a few minor outposts in the South. The American Civil War began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate shore batteries fired upon Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor 12.

February 8, 1861

1861 - February 9 - THE MAIL TO BE STOPPED.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, by a vote of 131 to 26, adopted a bill authorizing the postmaster General to withhold the mails from the seceded States.

The Raleigh Register

Raleigh, North Carolina

February 9, 1861

1861 - March 4 - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) becomes 16th President of the United States.

Lincoln's inaugural address was stirring. He appealed for the preservation of the Union. To retain his support in the North without further alienating the South, he called for compromise. He promised he would not initiate force to maintain the Union or interfere with slavery in the states in which it already existed. Soon after, Lincoln received word that Fort Sumter, located in Charleston harbor, South Carolina, would have to be resupplied. The situation presented a problem, as tensions between the North and the South were very high. Resupplying the fort might inflame the situation because it was located in a slave-holding state. Yet Lincoln, in his inaugural address, had promised that the Union would not give up control of federal territory, such as Fort Sumter. The fort was resupplied, and Lincoln refused to evacuate it. The Confederates attacked the fort on April 12, 1861. The Civil War had begun, and President Lincoln was thrust into the middle of one of this country's greatest...

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1861 - The Pony Express announces its closure. (October 26)

ATCHISON - Oct. 19. - Orders have to-day been issued by the President of the Pike's Peak Express Company at this place to stop the running of the Pony Express as soon as the California line is completed, which will probably be early next week. It is, therefore, probably that not more than one pony will run.

Daily Nashville Patriot

Nashville, Tennesee

October 26, 1861

1861 - Jefferson Davis Elected President of the Confederate States of America

On November 6, 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected president of the Confederate States of America. He ran unopposed and was elected to serve for a six-year term. Davis had already been serving as the temporary president for almost a year.

www.americaslibrary.gov

November 6, 1861

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1862 - American Civil War: Julia Ward Howe's Battle Hymn of the Republic is published for the first time in the Atlantic Monthly. (February 1)

This stirring work became a defining anthem for the Union during the American Civil War, emphasizing themes of justice, freedom, and divine providence. Its memorable lines have resonated through history, inspiring generations to stand for righteousness and equality.

February 1, 1862

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1862 - U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signs a bill into law creating the U.S. Bureau of Agriculture (later renamed U.S. Department of Agriculture). (May 15)

ChatGPT
On May 15, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill into law establishing the U.S. Bureau of Agriculture. This agency was later renamed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The creation of the USDA marked a significant step in the development of agricultural policy in the United States. Its primary mission was to support farmers, promote agricultural innovation, and ensure the nation's food supply. The USDA has since evolved into a comprehensive department overseeing various aspects of agriculture, food safety, and rural development.

May 15, 1862

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1862 - U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signs the Homestead Act into law. (May 20)

THE HOMESTEAD ACT - Letters are coming to the post offices in Nebraska, by hundreds, in which enquiries are made concerning the prospect of obtaining good quarter sections of land under the Homestead Act. The nearest good lands now available are about an average of eight miles from the river. -- The best lands; those having plenty of timber are along the upper branches of the Nemahas, on Salt Creek and the Blue. There are acres enough of better soil than can elsewhere be found on this continent to give homes to one million and a half of people. Come and take them. - Neb. City News.

Nebraska Advertiser

Brownville, Nebraska

June 19, 1862

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1862 - The Bureau of Internal Revenue, the forerunner of the Internal Revenue Service, is established in the United States. (July 1)

Establishment of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (July 1, 1862): This bureau, which later became the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), was created to collect taxes to help fund the Civil War. It marked the beginning of a more formal and organized system of federal taxation in the U.S.

Pacific Railway Acts Signed into Law: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Acts, which authorized the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. This legislation facilitated the building of a railway that connected the eastern and western parts of the United States, significantly boosting commerce, communication, and westward expansion.

July 1, 1862

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1863 - Abraham Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves (January 1)

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."...

Although the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery in the nation, it captured the hearts and imagination of millions of Americans and fundamentally transformed the character of the war. After January 1, 1863, every advance of federal troops expanded the domain of freedom. Moreover, the Proclamation announced the acceptance of black men into the Union Army and Navy, enabling the liberated to become liberators. By the end of the war, almost 200,000 black soldiers and sailors had fought for the Union and freedom...

Full text of the Emancipation Proclamation:

By the President of the United States of America:

A Proclamation.

Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord ...

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1863 - President Lincoln proclaims a national Thanksgiving day to be celebrated the final Thursday in November in the United States. (October 3)

A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING
By the President of the United States,
A PROCLAMATION.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3. The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful Providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to invite and provoke the aggression of foreign States, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theatre of military conflict, while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advanced armies and navies of the Union. The needful diversion of...

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1864 - The Income Tax

The Income Tax

There appears to be considerable misunderstanding still existing in the public mind concerning the income tax now due under the United States Revenue Laws. Those unaquacinted with he provisions of the tax bill will find the following brief r sum of interest:

First, the tax of five per centum is only imposed on the excess of income over $600, and is payable on the income received for the year ending December 31, 1863. The tax on income derived from United States Securities is specially restricted to 2 1/ [???] of 1 per centum.

All State and municipal taxes lawfully paid may be deducted from the estimate of the income of the person actually paying the same. It is also provided that the rent of the homestead used or occupied by any person or family, not exceeding $200, may be deducted from the excess of income over $600.

In estimating the income, all forms of indebtedness bearing interest, whether due and paid, or not, if good and collectable, must be included...

1865 - April 15 – Inauguration of Andrew Johnson: President Lincoln dies early this morning from his gunshot wound and Vice President Andrew Johnson becomes the 17th President of the United States.

Johnson became Abraham Lincoln's running mate, despite the fact that he was a Democrat and Lincoln was a Republican. After Lincoln's assassination in April 1865, Johnson went from vice president to president. In foreign affairs, things went fairly smoothly. But at home, Johnson faced a crisis. Trying to reconstruct the country after the Civil War, radical Northern Republicans thought his policies toward the South were not harsh enough. Ill will and deep political disagreements ended with Congress voting to impeach Johnson in February 1868. A few months later, the Senate acquitted Johnson of the impeachment charges by just one vote. He served the remainder of his presidential term, but the brand of impeachment has traveled with his memory.

www.americaslibrary.gov

April 15, 1865

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1865 - May 29 – American Civil War: President of the United States Andrew Johnson issues a proclamation of general amnesty for most citizens of the former Confederacy.

This amnesty included the restoration of property rights (except for slaves) and required an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and Union. However, legal proceedings related to property confiscation were exempted from this amnesty.

May 29, 1865

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1865 - July 5 - The U.S. Secret Service is founded.

On July 5, 1865, the U.S. Secret Service was founded by Secretary of the Treasury Hugh McCulloch. Its creation was a direct response to the rampant counterfeiting crisis during that time, with an estimated one-third to one-half of all currency in circulation being counterfeit. The agency aimed to restore public confidence in U.S. currency by arresting counterfeiters and safeguarding financial integrity.

July 5, 1865

1866 - May 16 – The United States Congress approves the minting of a nickel 5-cent coin (nickel), eliminating its predecessor, the half dime.

FIVE CENT COIN.
In the House of Representatives, a few days ago, the following proceedings took place.

Mr. Kasson - The Committee on Coinage, Weights and Measures have instructed me to report House bill No. 397, to authorize the coinage of five cent pieces.

No objection being made, the bill was considered, and was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

The bill provides that as soon as practicable there shall be coined at the United States mint a five cent piece, composed of copper and nickel, the proportion of the latter not exceeding 25 per cent, and of the coin not to exceed 60 grains. The bill further provides that from and after the passage of this act no further issues shall be made of the five cent fractional currency, and all such outstanding currency shall be redeemed & withdrawn from circulation, leaving no fractional currency of a less denomination than ten...

1866 - June 13 - The 14th Amendment is passed by Congress (ratified by the states in 1868), saying “Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States

according to their respective members, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. . . .But when the right to vote . . .is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State . . . the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in proportion.” It is the first time “citizens” and “voters” are defined as “male” in the Constitution.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1866 - July 25 – The United States Congress passes legislation authorizing the rank of General of the Army (now called "5-star general"); Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant becomes the first to have this rank.

FROM WASHINGTON.
The President Signs the Bill Reviving the Grade of General - General Grant Nominated - Vice-admiral Farragut Appointed Admiral.

WASHINGTON, July 25. - The President has signed the bill reviving the grade of General in the army of the United States, and this afternoon nominated to the Senate Lieutenant-general Grant for that office, and Vice-admiral Farragut to be Admiral in the Navy under a recent law.

The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati, Ohio

July 26, 1866

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1868 - Twenty thousand Norwegians, Danes and Swedes are to arrive in this country this spring, whose destination will be chiefly to the West.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

April 18, 1868

1868 - From statistics carefully prepared from authentic sources, and reliable as any other public documents, it has been ascertained that the average cost of strong drink for each man, woman, and child in the United States is twenty dollars.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

April 18, 1868

1868 - The typewriter is invented (Christopher Latham Sholes, United States)

... In 1867 Mr. C. Latham Sholes, a printer and editor; Mr. Samuel W. Soule, a printer, and Mr. Carlos Glidden, a retired merchant, all residents of Milwaukee, inspired by an article of the London Engineering, descriptive of "the prototype" invented by John Pratt, of Centre, Ala., projected the Type-writer. It was completed after six years of the persistent application indispensable to all great enterprises. Practically, the first instrument was made by E. Remington & Sons, in 1878, who are still the sole manufacturers... The Type-writer is progress, but it is a revolution also, or His Majesty the Pen would not have yielded as easily its centuries of autocracy...

National Republican

Washington, DC

December 6, 1884

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1868 - Thomas Edison applies for his first patent, the electric vote recorder.

In October 1868, while working in Boston, Thomas Edison obtained his first patent for an invention called the “electrographic vote recorder”. This device allowed legislators to cast instant votes by tapping one of two switches—either signifying a “yes” or a “no” vote. The information was then transmitted via electric current to a main recorder, which tallied the votes into separate columns1. Unfortunately, this invention didn’t gain much interest from Congress, but it marked the beginning of Edison’s prolific career as an inventor.

October 28, 1868

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1869 - The New York Sun says: "Four hours of good hard study in the morning is as much as should be required of any child under fourteen years of age, girls especially."

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

January 30, 1869

1869 - It is estimated that not one-eighth of the people of the United States attend public worship on Sunday.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

January 30, 1869

1869 - March 4 - Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) becomes 18th President of the United States

In 1868, as Republican candidate for president, Grant was elected over the Democrat, Horatio Seymour. From the start, Grant showed his unfitness for the office. His cabinet was weak, his domestic policy was confused, and many of his intimate associates were corrupt. The notable achievement in foreign affairs was the settlement of controversies with Great Britain in the Treaty of London (1871), negotiated by his able secretary of state, Hamilton Fish.

Running for reelection in 1872, he defeated Horace Greeley, the Democratic and Liberal Republican candidate. The Panic of 1873 graft scandals close to the presidency created difficulties for his second term.

www.infoplease.com

March 4, 1869

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1869 - A young and pretty girl, a little proud of her good looks, had a quarrel with her lover, who reproached her for caring more for beauty than his love.

To prove to him how much she loved him she broke off her four front teeth, and, thus disfigured, cast herself at his feet. It is, perhaps, unnecessary to state that she lost her lover.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

May 29, 1869

1869 - The total amount of sugar now consumed by all nations may be estimated at 2,500,000 tons. America consumes about 530,000 tons.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

October 30, 1869

1869 - In 1868 there were 2,208 books published in the United States.

107 of them imported in editions. Ninety-one of these were subscription books, and thirteen were books of American genealogy.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

October 30, 1869

1870 - Feb 3 - 15th Amendment receives final ratification, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

This amendment granted African American men the right to vote, stating that their voting rights could not be denied or abridged based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude1. It was a significant milestone in the fight for equal suffrage during the Reconstruction Era.

1870 - Whenever you perceive a horse's inclination to rear, separate your reins and prepare for him.

The instant he is about to rise slacken one hand and bend or twist his head with the other, keeping your hands low. This bending compels him to move a hind leg, and of necessity brings his fore feet down. Instantly twist him completely around two or three times, which will confuse him very much, and completely throw him off his guard. The moment you have finished twisting him round, place his head in the direction you wish him to proceed, apply the spurs, and he will not fail to go forward.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

April 9, 1870

1870 - Whole-grained Hominy

In a course towel tie up two or three quarts of hard-wood ashes; place in a large iron pot half full of water, set it over the fire, and put into it two quarts of corn. Boil slowly until the outer covering of the kernel, and all that part called the chit, will come off easily. Then skim out the corn and wash in four or five waters. Pour the water off through a sieve or colander, so as not to waste the grains. Wash the pot, replace the corn, put on fresh water, let it boil a little and then change the water again. It will require four or five hours to boil enough. Salt to your taste and hour before it is done.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

April 9, 1870

1870 - June 22 - The U.S. Congress creates the United States Department of Justice.

On June 22, 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the “Act to Establish the Department of Justice” into law. This legislation officially created the United States Department of Justice, which began operations on July 1 of the same year. The department’s mission was to uphold justice, enforce federal laws, and protect the rights of citizens.

June 22, 1870

1870 - June 26 - Christmas becomes a Federal holiday in the United States

In 1870, on June 26, Christmas was officially declared a federal holiday in the United States. This move was part of a broader effort to standardize holidays across the nation. However, despite this federal recognition, some states had previously banned the celebration of Christmas, particularly those with strong Puritan influences. In these areas, Christmas was seen as a non-religious, pagan holiday, and laws were enacted to prohibit its observance. It took time for Christmas to be widely accepted and celebrated across all states, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious views present in the country.

1871 - Washing Recipe.

A correspondent furnishes the following to the Western Rural: "For two tubs of clothes, take one half tea-cup of coal-oil, and mix it thoroughly with enough soap to form a suds. Separate the white from the colored clothes, and put them in separate tubs to soak over night. In the morning wring out and make another suds, and wash them through it. Then boil and rise. The clothes will be very white."

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

March 11, 1871

1871 - To Fry Sweetbreads.

Let them soak a few minutes in water. Take them out, and wipe them perfectly dry. Do not cut them or split them. Put on pepper and salt. Let the pan get hot, with a very little butter or perfectly sweet lard in it. Now lay in the sweetbread. If in danger of burning, remove from the front of stove. When cooked nearly through, turn them, and let them cook as long again. They must be well cooked.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

March 11, 1871

1871 - To Clean Black Silk and Ribbons

Take an equal quantity of alcohol, molasses and soft-soap. Mix them thoroughly together. Spread the ribbons or silk on the table, and rub some of the mixture well in, using a small, clean cloth. When rubbed enough, rinse the silk in two or three changes of clean warm water. The soft-soap must be made of wood ashes. When rinsed, fold the silk in a towel for a few minutes, and then iron with a flat-iron not too hot. If these directions are carried out, the silk will look nearly as good as new.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

March 11, 1871

1872 - May 4 - The magazine Popular Science is first published in the U.S.

Popular Science made its debut on May 4, 1872, marking the beginning of its journey as a publication that aimed to spread scientific knowledge. The founding editor, Edward Livingston Youmans, acknowledged it as an “experimental” venture and hoped that both the staff and the public would give it a fair trial.

May 4, 1872

1873 - April 15 - Bradwell v. Illinois, 83 U.S. 130 (1872): The U.S. Supreme Court rules that a state has the right to exclude a married woman (Myra Colby Bradwell) from practicing law.

In the case of Bradwell v. Illinois (83 U.S. 130) decided on April 15, 1873, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Illinois Supreme Court to deny Myra Colby Bradwell, a married woman, the right to practice law. The Court ruled that states had the authority to set professional qualifications and exclude women from certain professions. The majority opinion, delivered by Justice Samuel Miller, argued that the regulation of law licenses was within state jurisdiction and did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. This decision reflected the prevailing societal views on gender roles and the limitations placed on women's professional opportunities during that era.

1874 - November 25 – The United States Greenback Party is established as a political party, made primarily of farmers financially hurt by the Panic of 1873.

Comprising mainly farmers from the West and South, this political organization advocated for currency expansion. They believed that an inflated currency would alleviate the burden of farm debts incurred during times of high prices.

November 25, 1874

1875 - March 1 - Civil Rights Act of 1875

Enacted on March 1, 1875, the Civil Rights Act affirmed the “equality of all men before the law” and prohibited racial discrimination in public places and facilities such as restaurants and public transportation. britannica.com

The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was a significant piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress on March 1, 1875. It was intended to guarantee African Americans equal treatment in public accommodations, public transportation, and to prohibit exclusion from jury service. This act was one of the last major efforts during the Reconstruction era to enforce civil rights and counteract the discriminatory Black Codes and Jim Crow laws in the South. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court declared the act unconstitutional in 1883, stating that Congress did not have the power to regulate the conduct of individuals, only the actions of the states. This decision significantly undermined civil rights protections for African Americans until the Civil Rights Movement...

1875 - March 29 - Minor v Happersett, 88 U.S. 162 (1875): The U.S. Supreme Court declares that despite the privileges and immunities clause, a state can prohibit a woman from voting.

Minor v. Happersett, U.S. Supreme Court case in which the court ruled unanimously in 1874 that the right of suffrage was not protected by the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution...

In its decision the Supreme Court declared that the privileges and immunities of citizenship are not defined by the U.S. Constitution; thus, individual states’ enfranchisement of male citizens only was not necessarily a violation of the citizenship rights of women. This finding effectively put an end to attempts to win voting rights for women through court decree. Subsequent efforts in the woman suffrage movement in the United States focused on the revision of voting laws of individual states and on the ratification of a separate amendment to the Constitution.

britannica.com

1876 - March 7 – Alexander Graham Bell is granted a United States patent for an invention he calls the telephone (patent 174,466).

Professor Bell tried his telephone on the telegraph line between Boston and Salem the other day, he remaining in Boston. Conversation was carried on with the operator at Salem without the slightest difficulty, even the voices of the speakers being easily recognized. Whispering was found to be perfectly audible, but was unintelligible. After a time, instead of grounding the wire at Salem, it was connected with North Conway, a distance of 143 miles from Boston, thus leaving Salem as a way station. After this change had been made there was a slight diminution in the loudness of the tones, but no difficulty was experienced in carrying on conversation.

Democrat and Chronicle

Rochester, New York

December 2, 1876

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1877 - March 4 - Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893) becomes 19th President of the United States

On the night of the 1876 presidential election, Republican candidate Rutherford B. Hayes went to bed early. He assumed that he had lost the election to his opponent, Democrat Samuel J. Tilden. Tilden did win the popular vote that night, but the Republicans challenged the validity of the electoral votes from three states.

Congress appointed a special Electoral Commission to make a decision on the matter. The commission was made up of five senators, five members of the House of Representatives, and five Supreme Court justices. In the end, the commission determined that Hayes was elected president by a margin of one electoral vote.

Hayes' first duty was to take the oath of office, which he did secretly in the Red Room of the White House, becoming the first president to be sworn in...

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1877 - Thomas Edison announces his invention of the phonograph, a machine that can record sound, considered Edison's first great invention. Edison demonstrates the device for the first time on November 29.

November 21, 1877
Thomas Edison announces his "talking machine" invention (phonograph), the 1st machine to play and record sound. onthisday.com

The Phonograph.
The Scientific American contains the first announcement of what may be the most wonderful invention of the day - Edison's Phonograph. The Sun says that nothing could be more incredible than the likelihood of once more hearing the voice of the dead, yet the invention of the new instrument is said to render this possible. Hereafter it is true that the voice is stilled, but whoever has spoken or whoever may speak into the mouth-piece of the Phonograph and whose words are recorded by it has the assurance that his speech may be produced audibly in his own tones long after he himself has turned to dust. A strip of indented paper travels through the little machine and the sounds of the voice are magnified by it and positively sentenced and hence is heard as plainly as if it were presented...

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1879 - Through special Congressional legislation, Belva Lockwood becomes first woman admitted to try a case before the Supreme Court.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

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1879 - Incandescent light bulb is invented (Thomas Alva Edison, United States)

In the year 1879, a pivotal moment in technological advancement unfolded when Thomas Alva Edison, an industrious inventor from the United States, successfully developed the incandescent light bulb. This groundbreaking invention marked a significant leap forward in the realm of artificial illumination. Edison's design employed a carbon filament, which, when electrified, emitted a steady and reliable light, outlasting previous attempts at electric lighting. This innovation not only extended the hours of productive activity beyond sunset but also paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric power, fundamentally transforming daily life and industry. Edison's incandescent light bulb stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress during the late 19th century.

Edison still claims that his electric light is a complete success, and says he can now furnish it at one-third the cost of gas, but he thinks that he can make the difference in price...

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1881 - March 4 - James A. Garfield (1831–1881) becomes President of the United States

In 1880, Garfield was elected to the Senate, but instead became the presidential candidate on the 36th ballot as a result of a deadlock in the Republican convention. In the election, he defeated Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock, the Democratic candidate. Garfield's administration was barely under way when he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disappointed office seeker, in Washington on July 2, 1881. He died in Elberon, N.J., on Sept. 19.

www.infoplease.com

March 4, 1881

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1881 - The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton.

In 1881, the American Red Cross was established by Clara Barton, a pioneering nurse and humanitarian. Drawing inspiration from her experiences during the American Civil War and her observations of the International Red Cross in Europe, Barton sought to create a national organization dedicated to providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in the United States. The foundation of the American Red Cross marked a significant advancement in the nation's approach to disaster response and medical aid, embodying principles of neutrality, impartiality, and voluntary service. Clara Barton's leadership and vision transformed the landscape of American philanthropy and public health, setting a precedent for organized, compassionate aid that continues to this day.

THE RED CROSS SOCIETY
At a meeting this evening, largely attended by prominent citizens and those actively interested in beneficent organizations, a constitution was adopted as a basis of an organization to be...

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1881 - September 19 - Chester A. Arthur (1829–1886) becomes President of the United States

In 1880 Arthur was nominated for vice president in the hope of conciliating the followers of Grant and the powerful New York machine. As president upon Garfield's death, Arthur, stepping out of his familiar role as spoilsman, backed civil service reform, reorganized the cabinet, and prosecuted political associates accused of post office graft. Losing machine support and failing to gain the reformers, he was not nominated for a full term in 1884.

www.inofplease.com

September 19, 1881

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1882 - The Standard Oil Trust (monopoly) is secretly created in the United States to control multiple corporations set up by John D. Rockefeller and his associates.

The creation of the Standard Oil Trust in 1882 marked a significant development in the history of American business and industry. Prior to its formation, John D. Rockefeller had been steadily acquiring and consolidating oil refineries and companies across the United States. By 1882, his company, Standard Oil, controlled a significant portion of the oil refining capacity in the country.

To further solidify his control over the industry and to streamline operations, Rockefeller and his associates decided to reorganize their holdings into a single entity known as the Standard Oil Trust. This trust was a legal arrangement that allowed the various companies to retain their individual identities and operations but placed them under the control of a group of trustees, including Rockefeller.

The formation of the Standard Oil Trust was controversial. Critics argued that it represented an illegal monopoly that stifled competition and manipulated prices. In response to mounting public and...

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1883 - October 15 – The Supreme Court of the United States declares part of the Civil Rights Act of 1875 to be unconstitutional, allowing individuals and corporations to discriminate based on race.

The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was a significant piece of legislation intended to guarantee African Americans equal treatment in public accommodations, public transportation, and to prohibit exclusion from jury service. However, in the case of Civil Rights Cases (1883), the Supreme Court ruled that the 1875 Act was unconstitutional.

The Court's decision was based on the interpretation that the 14th Amendment only prohibited state-sponsored discrimination, not discrimination by private individuals or businesses. This ruling essentially undermined the federal government's ability to enforce civil rights protections for African Americans in the years following Reconstruction, contributing to the establishment of the Jim Crow laws and the perpetuation of racial segregation in the United States.

October 15, 1883

1883 - November 18 – U.S. and Canadian railroads institute 5 standard continental time zones, ending the confusion of thousands of local times.

UNIFORM TIME

Exactly at noon on Sunday, as has been announced, the new system of uniform time will be put into effect by the leading railroad companies; and, instead of fifty different standards, there will be four corresponding to the four meridians adopted by the Chicago convention of railroad men. There is, indeed, a fifth standard meridian adopted, but, as it passes near St. Johns, New Brunswick, we are not concerned with it in the United States.

The five meridians are computed west from Greenwich, and calculations from the meridian of Washington will be abolished. The longitudinal belts between the meridians are fifteen degrees wide, and each is divided by a meridian passing through the middle and standard time within the limits of each belt is to be reckoned from noon on the central meridian. The four central meridians in the United States are one hour apart in time, and four hours cover all the differences in time. By the new arrangement each zone will have the same...

1884 - May 1 – The eight-hour workday is first proclaimed by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions in the United States. This date, called May Day or Labour Day, becomes a holiday recognized in almost every industrialized country.

On May 1, 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions in the United States formally proclaimed the eight-hour workday, setting a clear goal for the labor movement and establishing a tradition that would resonate around the world. This declaration came during a period of rapid industrialization in which many workers, including men, women, and children, routinely faced grueling workweeks of ten to sixteen hours under often dangerous conditions.

The movement for shorter hours was not only about physical endurance but also about dignity, family life, and the ability of workers to participate in civic and cultural life. By advocating for an eight-hour day—summarized in the slogan “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for what we will”—labor organizers sought to codify a humane balance between labor, leisure, and personal development.

May 1, later celebrated as May Day or Labour Day, became a focal point for workers’ rights demonstrations and...

1884 - The first gravity roller coaster amusement ride (LeMarcus A. Thompson, United States)

"1884: The first gravity roller coaster designed and built specifically as an amusement ride opens at Coney Island, New York. It is a commercial success and leads to the building of roller coasters all over the world.

LaMarcus Adna Thompson’s Coney Island coaster, which, for a nickel ($1.15 in today’s money), hurtled passengers down an undulating 600-foot-long track at speeds up to a blistering 6 mph, would hardly be recognizable to riders of modern-day roller coasters.

Passengers faced sideways, for one thing, and the track was not laid out in a continuous loop. Like the switchback gravity railway used by Pennsylvania coal miners that inspired it, the Coney Island coaster ran point-to-point, with nothing but gravity to provide the propulsion.

The ride began atop a 50-foot-high platform, and when it reached the other end, passengers had to disembark so the cars could be switched over to the return track for the ride back to the starting...

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1884 - August 10 – A severe earthquake, magnitude 5.5, (intensity VII) occurs off the northeast Atlantic coast of the United States. The area affected extends from central Virginia to southern Maine, and west as far as Cleveland.

The earthquake of August 10, 1884, was one of the most powerful quakes to hit the U.S. East Coast in recorded history. With a magnitude of 5.5, it was felt over a vast area, from central Virginia to southern Maine and westward to Cleveland, Ohio. The intensity VII designation indicates it was a major event, capable of causing considerable damage.

Despite its strength, the earthquake caused relatively minor damage. Reports indicate that it shook buildings and rattled windows, causing panic among residents. Chimneys were toppled, and some structural damage occurred, but there were no reports of serious injuries or fatalities.

This event highlighted the vulnerability of the East Coast to earthquakes, even though such occurrences are rare compared to regions like...

1884 - Photographic film is invented (George Eastman, United States)

Photographic.

A certificate was filed yesterday in the county clerk's office showing that the capital stock of the Eastman Dry Plate and Film company $200,000, has been fully paid up. The trustees are Henry A. Strong, Edwin O. Sage, J. H. Kent, George Eastman and William H. Walker. The company is preparing to introduce its new discovery, paper dry plates.

Democrat and Chronicle

Rochester, New York

December 20, 1884

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1885 - March 4 - Grover Cleveland (1837-1908) becomes 22nd President of the United States

In 1884 Grover Cleveland won the Democratic nomination for president. The campaign contrasted Cleveland's spotless public career with the uncertain record of James G. Blaine, the Republican candidate, and Cleveland received enough Mugwump (independent Republican) support to win.

As president, Cleveland pushed civil service reform, opposed the pension grab and attacked the high tariff rates. While in the White House, he married Frances Folsom in 1886. Renominated in 1888, Cleveland was defeated by Benjamin Harrison, polling more popular but fewer electoral votes. In 1892, he was elected over Harrison. When the Panic of 1893 burst upon the country, Cleveland's attempts to solve it by sound-money measures alienated the free-silver wing of the party, while his tariff policy alienated the protectionists. In 1894, he sent troops to break the Pullman strike. In foreign affairs, his firmness caused Great Britain to back down in the Venezuela border...

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1886 - "Lean beefsteak and hot water for seventeen weeks" is the latest diet that such of the world's fat people who wish to get thin are trying.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

March 6, 1886

1886 - LIBERTY'S LIGHT. The Great Torch of the Goddess We Love. Imposing Ceremonies Attending the Unveiling of the Bartholdi Statue on Liberty Island.

The Colossal Gift of a Sister Republic Gracefully Accepted by an Appreciative People.

The Metropolis of the Nation Overwhelmed by Throngs of Visitors.

A Mammoth Parade Reviewed by the President and His Cabinet and Our French Guests.

The Grand Naval Procession - Ceremonies at the Statue - Liberty Unveiled - Grand Pyrotechnic Display

NEW YORK, Oct. 28., - The rain, which fell almost continuously for thirty-six hours, did not cease until about daylight this morning. The sky did not clear, however, and the thousands of anxious sightseers who began to pour into the streets at an early hour met a damp, foggy atmosphere, which threatened a renewal of rain at any moment. Between eight and nine o'clock all thoroughfares showed signs of unusual activity. All trains were crowded to their utmost capacity with people trying to view the grand procession.

French and American flags are flying from house tops and windows in every direction and a general holiday appearance is presented...

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1888 - September 4 – George Eastman registers the trademark Kodak, and receives a patent for his camera which uses roll film.

Wannamaker's
Philadelphia, Friday, October 26, 1888.
The Kodak Camera is the latest photographic novelty; 100 pictures without a stop. Anybody can do it. To-morrow (Saturday) from 2 to 5 P.M. we shall show how easy it is for a novice to take photographs. Bring your friends. Ask at Optical Goods counter. Juniper street entrance.

The Times

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 26, 1888

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1888 - The Supreme Court of the United States decide on the 29th that the license tax imposed by any State upon commercial travelers from other States is unconstitutional.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

November 3, 1888

1888 - It was stated on the 31st ult. that the large number of Chinese who were arriving at British Columbia ports from China were not destined to remain in Canada, but were taking this means of smuggling themselves into the United States.

St Joseph Herald

Saint Joseph, Michigan

November 3, 1888

1889 - March 4 - Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) becomes 23rd President of the United States

In 1888, Benjamin Harrison received the Republican nomination for president on the eighth ballot. Though behind on the popular vote, he won over Grover Cleveland in the electoral college by 233 to 168.

As president, Harrison failed to please either the bosses or the reform element in the party. In foreign affairs he backed Secretary of State Blaine, whose policy foreshadowed later American imperialism. Harrison was renominated in 1892 but lost to Cleveland.

www.infoplease.com

March 4, 1889

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1890 - June 1 – The United States Census Bureau begins using Herman Hollerith's tabulating machine to tabulate census returns using punched card input,

On June 1, 1890, the United States Census Bureau began using a revolutionary new device to process census data: Herman Hollerith’s tabulating machine, which read information encoded on punched cards. Prior to this innovation, census data had to be counted and analyzed entirely by hand—a laborious process that for the 1880 census had taken nearly eight years to complete. Hollerith’s system dramatically accelerated the process, allowing the 1890 census to be tabulated in just a few years, and demonstrated the power of mechanized data processing on a national scale.

Hollerith’s invention was not merely a time-saving tool; it represented a fundamental shift in the management of information. The use of punched cards to store and sort data laid the groundwork for modern computing, transforming how governments and businesses could organize and analyze large volumes of information. Hollerith later founded the Tabulating Machine Company, which, through mergers and innovations, eventually...

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1891 - The motion picture camera is invented (Thomas Alva Edison, William K.L. Dickson, United States)

LIGHT AND SOUND UNITED
EDISON OUTDOES HIMSELF IN THE KINETOGRAPH.
It is to Reproduce a Picture of What Passes Before the Mechanical Eye - With the Phonograph the Invention Will Serve to Take the Opera Into the Parlor - A Rapid-Transit Road Under Broadway - General New York News.
NEW YORK, May 27. - (Special.) - From the laboratory of the Wizard of Menlo Park there is coming an invention which out-Edisons Edison. It is the marriage of the phonograph to the camera - the union in one instrument of sound and sight. With it the opera can be carried into the parlor and the artists cannot only be heard but can also be seen. The popular preacher, the eminent public speaker, with it all can be brought to the home.

The new wonder will be called the "kinetograph," a strange sounding title to the ear today, but destined perhaps soon to become as familiar as locomotive or telephone, both strange words in their infancy. Mr. Edison has been at work on this newest conception of his genius for...

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1891 - The zipper is invented (Whitcomb L. Judson, United States)

"...the inventor of the first zipper, Whitcomb L. Judson, did his experimentation right here in the Windy City and in 1891 invented a device called the zipper.

Actually, the first zipper was a very crude invention, conceived by this portly fella called Judson who found he could no longer bend over to tie his shoes. What he came up with was a device that held together some crude hooks and eyes - a very awkward contraption.

Whitcomb's idea lay idle for many years while other more enterprising meddlers tinkered to make the device work better..."

The Daily Herald

Chicago, Illiniois

May 19, 1975

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1893 - March 4 - Grover Cleveland (1837–1908) becomes President of the United States

March 4, 1893

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1893 - July 1 – U.S. President Grover Cleveland is operated on in secret.

The published stories concerning the health of President Cleveland seem to lack some of the essential element of consistency, and they will not excite general credence until stronger confirmatory testimony has been furnished. The American people are just now deeply concerned in the preservation of Mr. Cleveland and the full vigor of physical and mental health, and the subject is one the country does not want to see lightly treated.

Reading Times

Reading, Pennsylvania

August 31, 1893

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1893 - The United States Supreme Court legally declares the tomato to be a vegetable.

The question whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable has finally been decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. Several years ago some imported tomatoes came through New York City, when the Collector classified them as vegetables and collected duty accordingly. The importers disputed this point and claimed tomatoes to be a fruit and entitled to come in free. The matter was taken into court, which decided in favor of the Collector's claim that the tomato is a vegetable.

The Charlotte Democrat

Charlotte, North Carolina

July 14, 1893

1896 - May 18 – Plessy v. Ferguson: The U.S. Supreme Court introduces the "separate but equal" doctrine and upholds racial segregation.

The case of Plessy v. Ferguson centered around a Louisiana law that required separate railway cars for blacks and whites. Homer Plessy, who was seven-eighths white and one-eighth black, deliberately violated this law by sitting in a whites-only railway car. When he was asked to move to the blacks-only car and refused, he was arrested.

Plessy's legal team argued that the law violated the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery and guaranteed equal protection under the law, respectively. However, the Supreme Court, in a 7-1 decision, ruled against Plessy.

Justice Henry Billings Brown, writing for the majority, stated that as long as the facilities provided to blacks were equal to those provided to whites, segregation did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which became the legal basis for segregation laws throughout the United States.

Plessy v. Ferguson was a...

1896 - December 25 - John Philip Sousa composes his magnum opus, the Stars and Stripes Forever.

John Philip Sousa, known as the "March King," composed "The Stars and Stripes Forever" in 1896. This iconic American patriotic march is perhaps his most famous composition. Sousa wrote the piece while on a transatlantic voyage, inspired by his love for his country. "The Stars and Stripes Forever" was designated the national march of the United States in 1987. It remains a staple in American patriotic music and is often performed at Independence Day celebrations and other national events.

December 25, 1896

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1897 - March 4 - William McKinley (1843-1901) becomes 25th President of the United States

With the support of Mark Hanna, a shrewd Cleveland businessman interested in safeguarding tariff protection, William McKinley became governor of Ohio in 1892 and Republican presidential candidate in 1896. The business community, alarmed by the progressivism of William Jennings Bryan, the Democratic candidate, spent considerable money to assure McKinley's victory.

The chief event of McKinley's administration was the war with Spain, which resulted in the United States' acquisition of the Philippines and other islands. With imperialism an issue, McKinley defeated Bryan again in 1900. On Sept. 6, 1901, he was shot at Buffalo, N.Y., by Leon F. Czolgosz, an anarchist, and he died there eight days later.

www.infoplease.com

March 4, 1897

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1897 - A Vast Sum Worse Than Wasted.

A temperance orator says that $858,000,000 was expended for beer alone in the United States last year. Assuming that the population of the United States was 70,000,000 in 1896, this would be more than $12 per capita for every man, woman, and child in the United States, and we all know that there are lots of children in the United States who didn't have any beer at all last year.

The Abbeville Press and Banner

Abbeville, South Carolina

May 19, 1897

1898 - April 5 – Annie Oakley promotes the service of women in combat situations with the United States military.

In 1898, on April 5th, Annie Oakley, a renowned sharpshooter and advocate for women's rights, wrote a letter to President McKinley. In it, she offered the services of a company of 50 "lady sharpshooters" who were prepared to provide their own weapons and ammunition in the event of war with Spain. This act by Oakley was a significant step in promoting the idea of women serving in combat roles within the United States military.

April 5, 1898

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1898 - April 25 – Spanish-American War: The United States declares war on Spain; the U.S. Congress announces that a state of war has existed since April 21 (later backdating this one more day to April 20).

...On April 11, 1898, President William McKinley asked Congress for authorization to end the fighting in Cuba between the rebels and Spanish forces, and to establish a “stable government” that would “maintain order” and ensure the “peace and tranquility and the security” of Cuban and U.S. citizens on the island. On April 20, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution that acknowledged Cuban independence, demanded that the Spanish government give up control of the island, foreswore any intention on the part of the United States to annex Cuba, and authorized McKinley to use whatever military measures he deemed necessary to guarantee Cuba’s independence.

The Spanish government rejected the U.S. ultimatum and immediately severed diplomatic relations with the United States. McKinley responded by implementing a naval blockade of Cuba on April 22 and issued a call for 125,000 military volunteers the following day. That same day, Spain declared war on the United States, and the U.S....

1898 - December 10 – The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the Spanish-American War.

On December 10, the Treaty of Paris officially ended the Spanish-American War. The once-proud Spanish empire was virtually dissolved as the United States took over much of Spain's overseas holdings. Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the United States, the Philippines were bought for $20 million, and Cuba became a U.S. protectorate. Philippine insurgents who fought against Spanish rule during the war immediately turned their guns against the new occupiers, and 10 times more U.S. troops died suppressing the Philippines than in defeating Spain.

December 10, 1898

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1899 - September 18 – Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag is registered for copyright as ragtime music enjoys mainstream popularity in the United States.

The registration of Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag" for copyright in 1899 marked a significant moment in the history of music. Ragtime, a genre characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies, was becoming increasingly popular across the United States at the turn of the 20th century.

Scott Joplin, often referred to as the "King of Ragtime," was a composer and pianist whose contributions to ragtime music are highly regarded. The "Maple Leaf Rag" is one of his most famous compositions and is considered a classic of the genre. Its catchy melodies and intricate rhythms captured the spirit of the time and helped propel ragtime into the mainstream.

The success of the "Maple Leaf Rag" and other ragtime compositions not only brought Joplin fame but also helped establish ragtime as a lasting and influential genre in American music. ...

1900 - Population of United States (US proper only) - 76,212,200

1900 - By now, every state has passed legislation modeled after New York’s Married Women’s Property Act (1848), granting married women some control over their property and earnings.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1900 - March 15 – The Gold Standard Act is ratified, placing the United States currency on the gold standard.

The Gold Standard Act a Law.
Washington, March 15. - The gold standard act passed by congress, defining and fixing the standard of value, maintaining the parity of all forms of money issued or coined by the United States, and refunding the public debt, became a law yesterday through the signature of President McKinley.

Lebanon Daily News

Lebanon, Pennsylvania

March 15, 1900

1900 - June 1 – American temperance agitator Carrie Nation begins her crusade to demolish saloons.

THE KIOWA SALOONS RAIDED.
Mrs. Carrie Nation, of this City, Invaded Six of Them last Thursday. Damage Estimated $350.

The peace, tranquility and prosperity of the Kiowa "Soda Fountains" were violently disturbed last Thursday, and, as usual in such cases, excitement ran high several hours. Mrs. Carrie Nation, of this city, President of the W.C.T.U. of the county, became convinced last Thursday that it was her duty to go to Kiowa and "smash up" the saloons, and acting on that conviction she hitched up and drove thither without breathing a word to anybody.

She went into the saloons armed with brick bats and was ably reinforced after she gained entrance, by billiard balls, cues, etc. etc. Mrs. Nation wasn't at all particular in choosing her weapons. Anything that was capable of doing the smashing act in reaching distance was called into service. The most damage was done in Bill Lewis' place, where a fine large mirror was ruined besides considerable liquor destroyed and bottles...

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December 1900 - What May Happen in the Next Hundred Years

In the future there will be no more city blocks. People will live in the suburbs. They will ride to the city on public transportation, which will cost a penny. People will be healthier than today. They will live to fifty. Most people will be physically fit. "A man or woman unable to walk ten miles at a stretch will be regarded as a weakling."

Cities will be free from the noises of street cars. All traffic will be either below ground or high above the ground. Trains will be fast moving and "to go from New York to San Francisco will take a day and a night by fast express."

"There will be air-ships, but they will not successfully compete with surface cars and water vessels for passenger or freight traffic. They will be maintained as deadly war-vessels by all military nations. Some will transport men and goods. Others will be used by scientists making obeservations at great heights above the earth."

"Photographs will be telegraphed from any distance... Man will see around the...

1901 - February 25 – U.S. Steel is incorporated by industrialist J. P. Morgan as the first billion-dollar corporation.

U.S. Steel, founded on February 25, 1901, was a major milestone in American corporate history. It was the creation of financier J.P. Morgan, who orchestrated the merger of several steel manufacturers to form the first billion-dollar company in the world. The company was formed at a time when the U.S. steel industry was booming, driven by the growing demand for steel in infrastructure, railways, and industrial development.

The consolidation of steel companies into U.S. Steel was significant for several reasons. It marked a new era of industrial consolidation and the rise of big business in the United States. U.S. Steel became a dominant force in the industry, controlling a large portion of the country's steel production.

The company's formation also had broader economic implications. It signaled the increasing concentration of economic power in the hands of a few large corporations, a trend that would become a defining feature of the American economy in the early 20th century....

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1901 - September 14 - Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) becomes 26th President of the United States

Assuming the presidency of the assassinated McKinley in 1901, Roosevelt embarked on a wide-ranging program of government reform and conservation of natural resources. He ordered antitrust suits against several large corporations, threatened to intervene in the anthracite coal strike of 1902, which prompted the operators to accept arbitration, and, in general, championed the rights of the “little man” and fought the “malefactors of great wealth.” He was also responsible for such progressive legislation as the Elkins Act of 1903, which outlawed freight rebates by railroads; the bill establishing the Department of Commerce and Labor; the Hepburn Act, which gave the I.C.C. greater control over the railroads; the Meat Inspection Act; and the Pure Food and Drug Act.

In foreign affairs, Roosevelt pursued a strong policy, permitting the instigation of a revolt in Panama to dispose of Colombian objections to the Panama Canal and helping to maintain the balance of power in the East by...

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1902 - May 20 – Cuba gains independence from the United States.

CUBA'S INDEPENDENCE
THE HOME GOVERNMENT TO TAKE CONTROL ON MAY 20TH
THE PRESIDENT'S INAUGURATION
to take Place on that Day - The American Evacuation to Be Complete Except Military Forces in Coast Defenses - All Military and Civil Offices to be Then Turned Over to the Cubans - The Cuban Congress to be Called in Extra Session May 10th.

Washington, March 25. - May 20, 1902 is the new date fixed for turning over the island of Cuba to its people. The change of date was made, if not at the suggestion, then with full approval of President-elect Palma and his advisors, Senors Tamaya and Quesada, who were with him at the war department today. This date should be a memorable one in Cuban history, for it will not only mark the acquisition of full independence, but will be the Cuban inauguration day, it having been determined that President Palma shall be inaugurated on the same day that American control of the island ceases.

All but the smallest details of the change in Cuba have been...

1903 - The first engine-powered airplane is invented (Wilbur & Orville Wright, United States)

LIKE A BIRD AEROPLANE FLIES.
Two Americans Solve Great Problem of Aerial Navigation With a Flying Machine Which They Invent and Build.
NORFOLK, Va. - The problem of aerial flight without the use of a balloon has been solved by Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, O.

At Kitty Hawk, on the coast of North Carolina, they successfully navigated a flying machine of their own invention for three miles in the teeth of a twenty-one-mile gale and, picking their point of descent, easily landed their machine there. During the trial, Wilbur Wright occupied the operator's seat and steered the apparatus.

For three years the Wrights have experimented at Kitty Hawk with their invention. They chose that point because of its isolation and the absence of...

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1904 - June 28 - U.S. begins construction of Panama Canal

February 23 – For $10 million, the United States gains control of the Panama Canal Zone...

June 28 - A small U.S. workforce arrives in Panama to survey, plan, and continue the excavation begun by the French. They are led by Chief Engineer John Findley Wallace.

Chief Medical Officer Colonel William C. Gorgas arrives in Panama with a team of seven men. He immediately focuses on the staggering death rate the French had come across during their time on the isthmus, looking for possible causes. His studies on the local population will show that over 70% of the local Panamanian population has malaria.

www.pbs.org American Experience

FLAG HOISTED

United States Take Possession of Panama Canal Route.

WORK WIL BE UNDER DIRECTION OF MAJ. BROOKE.

Report of Transfer Proceedings at Paris Received by President.

MORGAN & CO. DESIGNATED AS AMERICAN AGENTS.

French Interests Accept the Deposit of $40,000,000 with That Firm as Equivalent to Payment. Details of the Provisions...

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1905 - Whipping Post for Wife Beaters

President Roosevelt's suggestion, in his recent Congressional message, that "some form of corporal punishment" is desirable in dealing with wife-beaters and other "offenders whose criminality takes the shape of brutality and cruelty toward the weak," has led to efforts to establish a whipping-post in the District of Columbia, and to some discussion in the press of the country at large. The Chicago "Evening Post" favors the proposal on the ground that "no man who beats his wife is anything short of a brute and a coward, and for such the infliction of physical pain seems to be the only punishment that tends to put a check on his brutality." The same paper says further:

"The law that merely fines or imprisons the wife-beater most often gives the severest punishment to innocent victims of the man's brutality. And it seldom punishes the brute as he should be punished. From this viewpoint it it is not surprising to find those usually arrayed against the administration of harsh and...

1906 - August 22 – The first Victor Victrola, a phonographic record player, is manufactured.

Splendid Talking Machine.
The Victor Victrola, a splendid new talking machine, is being exhibited by Wharton Brothers. This is the costliest and by far the most nearly perfect ever seen here. It has been on the market for only about one month. It has no horn, as is usually the case, but it has the appearance of a mahogany cabinet.

Daily Industrial News
Greensboro, North Carolina
November 10, 1906

Why- That's CARUSO

Although he has passed forever from our midst his glorious, golden voice is immortalized by "His Master's Voice" - Victor Records

Do we realized the service "His Master's Voice" is rendering to civilization by preserving the interpretations of the world's greatest artists?

When Emile Berliner invented the Gramophone in 1887, music was truly immortalized.

The steady, consistent development of "His Master's Voice" - Victor recordings to their present state of perfection is one of the most romantic stories of our times. Starting as pioneers with the...

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1907-1908 - The electric washing machine is invented (Alva J. Fisher, United States)

"Dateline 1907 - Chicago Cubs sweep World Series, defeating Detroit Tigers in four games. A washing machine operated by electricity rather than by hand has been marketed by the Hurley Machine Company. The Hurley uses a small motor to spin a drum that holds clothes, water and soap. Its main competition is the Maytag Pastime. The Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory were formally merged and admitted as the 45th state of the union. A light bulb with tungsten filament is being marketed by General Electric, which says it gives better light. A light, portable vacuum cleaner is being marketed by the Hoover Suction-Sweeper Company..."

The Wabaunsee County Signal-Enterprise, Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, Thursday, February 8, 2007

"The first washing machine powered by electricity was invented by Alva J. Fisher in 1908. Fisher worked for the Hurley Washing Machine in Chicago and named his creation The Thor.

Previous to the invention of the electric-powered washing machine, James...

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1907 - March 2 - Expatriation Act - Any American woman who marries a foreign national, forfeits her citizenship.

... That any American woman who marries a foreigner shall take the nationality of her husband. At the termination of the marital relation she may resume her American citizenship, if abroad, by registering as an American citizen within one year with a consul of the United States, or by returning to reside in the United States, or, if residing in the United States at the termination of the marital relation, by continuing to reside therein...

www.historycentral.com/documents/Expatriation.html

1907 - Stock market tumble

Distrust of the government's attitude toward the corporations, a threatened monetary stringency in all the leading markets of the world and the financial embarrassment of the Pope Manufacturing company combined to demoralize the stock market in New York. Prices melted in sensational fashion ad the average level of declines was below that reached in the memorable Norther Pacific panic of May, 1901. Stocks were sold lower than ever before in their history.

The Clinton Mirror

Clinton, Iowa

August 24, 1907

1908 - February 18 – Japanese emigration to the United States is forbidden under terms of the Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907.

The Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907 was an informal agreement between the United States and the Empire of Japan, reached after the implementation of the Immigration Act of 1907 in the United States. The Act had led to a significant reduction in Japanese immigration to the U.S., causing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

To resolve the issue, President Theodore Roosevelt, in collaboration with the Japanese government, negotiated the Gentlemen's Agreement. Under this agreement, Japan agreed to voluntarily restrict the emigration of its laborers to the United States. In return, the U.S. would not impose formal restrictions on Japanese immigration and would address discriminatory treatment of Japanese immigrants already in the country, particularly in California.

One of the key provisions of the Gentlemen's Agreement was the prohibition of issuing passports to Japanese laborers seeking to enter the United States. This effectively halted the immigration of Japanese laborers ...

1908 - February 24 - Muller v State of Oregon, 208 U.S. 412 (1908): The U.S. Supreme Court upholds Oregon’s 10-hour workday for women.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1908 - First Model-T car is produced by Henry Ford (United States)

In the annals of early 20th-century industrial achievements, the year 1908 marks a pivotal moment in automotive history. It was in this year that Henry Ford, an innovative industrialist from the United States, revolutionized transportation by producing the first Model-T car. This vehicle, often hailed as the "Tin Lizzie," epitomized Ford's vision of making automobiles affordable and accessible to the average American. The Model-T's introduction heralded a new era of mass production techniques, particularly the moving assembly line, which significantly reduced manufacturing costs and time. Consequently, the Model-T not only transformed personal mobility but also laid the foundation for the modern automotive industry, underscoring Henry Ford's indelible impact on society and technology.

FORD FACTORY CLEVERNESS
The Ford Motor Company from now until July will manufacture in quantities only the four-cylinder Rumble Seat Runabout, Model "S," and the six-cylinder Runabout Model K. By ...

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1909 - March 4 - William Howard Taft (1857-1930) becomes 27th President of the United States

When Teddy Roosevelt prepared to retire his presidency, this popular and influential politician promoted Taft as the next Republican president. Taft was elected president in 1908, serving one term.

www.americaslibrary.gov

March 4, 1909

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1910 - Comet Halley is visible from Earth. It won't be seen again until 1986.

WHEN THE EARTH BORES A HOLE THROUGH THE TAIL OF HALLEY'S COMET
May 18, 1910 Will Be the Biggest Day in Astronomical History, When for the First Time the Coming Celestial Stranger's Eccentric Orbit Will Cause Its Meteoric Appendage to Fan the Surface of the Globe. All Scientists Admit There Will Be a Collision, and Camille Fammarion Says There May Be Disaster, but the Astronomers at Yerkes Observatory Tell The Sunday Tribune Readers That No Serious Harm Can Come to the Inhabitants of This Planet.

MAY 18, 1910.
Look it up on your calendar and when found, make a note of this date. On that day this whole world is going to do something that it probably never did before and probably will never do again. It is going to give the lie in most emphatic and convincing fashion to the adage that there is nothing new under the sun. On May 18, 1910, this planet earth is going to pass through the 15,000,000 miles long tail of Halley's justly celebrated and popular comet at the same time the comet ...

American Girl is Queen - 1910

New York, Aug. 18 - 'If Venus de Milo should appear on earth today, she couldn't hold a candle to our American girls!'

So exclaimed George Clinton Batcheller, corset maker, after studying professionally and innocently, the forms of foreign women in his annual tour.

'The American girl is tall, and yet not too tall; slender, and yet well-developed. She has beautifully sloping shoulders and a long waist. She has hips, though she is trying to conceal them at present. She has beautifully long, exquisitely modeled arms. Her feet are slender, if not tiny.'

'Her features are regular and clear cut. She has a round, yet strong chin. Her profile is exquisite.'

'American women have more style than French women, because the American woman will adopt the prevailing mode to suit her individuality.'

'Our girls with black hair and blue eyes, or red hair and brown eyes, form a welcome change from the invariable blonde which one sees in Germany, or the invariable brunet which one sees in...

1912 - April 15 - Titanic sinks in the North Atlantic

At 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912, the British ocean liner Titanic sinks into the North Atlantic Ocean about 400 miles south of Newfoundland, Canada. The massive ship, which carried 2,200 passengers and crew, had struck an iceberg two and half hours before.

The Titanic Sank With 1,350 Aboard
Most of the Carpathis's Rescued Passengers are Women and Children Who Went First.
OTHERS MUST BE DEAD
Col. John Jacob Astor, Benjamin Guggenheim, G.D. Widener, Isadore Straus, William F. Stead and Major Archibald Butts, Aide to President are Among the Famous Men Who are Reported Among the Missing. The Story of the Disaster.

The appalling magnitude of the wreck of the giant liner Titanic has been but little mitigated by the fragmentary information which has filtered in today. The rescuing steamer Carpathia has 868 survivors aboard, according to the latest news received at the offices of the White Star line. But except for this, favorable details are insignificant compared with the supreme...

1913 - December 1 - The assembly line is invented (Henry Ford, United States)

"...Henry Ford installs the first moving assembly line for the mass production of an entire automobile. His innovation reduced the time it took to build a car from more than 12 hours to two hours and 30 minutes...

Ford had been trying to increase his factories’ productivity for years. The workers who built his Model N cars (the Model T’s predecessor) arranged the parts in a row on the floor, put the under-construction auto on skids and dragged it down the line as they worked. Later, the streamlining process grew more sophisticated. Ford broke the Model T’s assembly into 84 discrete steps, for example, and trained each of his workers to do just one. He also hired motion-study expert Frederick Taylor to make those jobs even more efficient. Meanwhile, he built machines that could stamp out parts automatically (and much more quickly than even the fastest human worker could).

The most significant piece of Ford’s efficiency crusade was the assembly line. Inspired by the...

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1913 - March 4 - Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) becomes 28th President of the United States

Wilson became the 28th president of the United States, serving two consecutive terms in the White House, from 1913 to 1921. During his time in office, Wilson faced many challenges at home and abroad, and face them he did.

The issue of women's suffrage confronted Wilson right from the start. The National Women's Party organized a suffrage parade in Washington, D.C., the day before Wilson's inauguration. Drawing away the crowds from inaugural events, leaders hoped to put pressure on the new president to pay attention to women's rights. It is said that when Wilson arrived in town he found the streets empty, instead of full with welcoming crowds, and was told that everyone was on Pennsylvania Avenue watching the parade. Before the end of his second term in 1920, Wilson and Congress approved the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

In foreign policy, Wilson faced a greater challenge than any president since Abraham Lincoln. Deciding whether or not to involve the U.S. in...

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1913 - The Lincoln Highway, the first automobile road across the United States, is dedicated. (October 31)

MANY STATES TO DEDICATE HIGHWAY
New Route Across Continent Will Be Inaugurated With Many Celebrations in Towns Touched by It.
New York, Oct. 31. - Dedication of the Lincoln Highway, the new direct roadway through 13 states from coast to coast, will be made by local celebrations in all towns and villages along the route tonight. The Highway has been completed and will open to all with no toll charges. Motorists, particularly, will find it convenient, not only in transcontinental travel, but for interstate trips.

Roads adopted by the highway will have their local names dropped and "Lincoln Highway," substituted. Markers will individualize the highway. These markers are to be a strip of red three inches wide, white, 15 inches wide, and a blue strip three inches wide, with the letter "L" in blue on the white section. The words "Lincoln Highway" in small blue letters will also be upon the marker.

The first marker to go into position on the highway was placed at Clinton, Ia., on...

1913 - December 23 – The Federal Reserve System is created as the central banking system of the United States by Woodrow Wilson's signature of the Federal Reserve Act.

The Federal Reserve System, often referred to as the Federal Reserve or simply the Fed, was created in response to the financial panics and banking crises that had plagued the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The system was designed to provide a more stable and flexible monetary and financial system for the country.

The Federal Reserve Act established the Federal Reserve System as a decentralized central banking system. It created 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, each responsible for overseeing banking activities within its designated district. The Board of Governors, based in Washington, D.C., was established to oversee the entire system.

One of the primary functions of the Federal Reserve System is to regulate the supply of money and credit in the economy. It does this through various mechanisms, such as setting interest rates, regulating banks, and conducting open market operations (buying and selling government securities).

The Federal Reserve...

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1913 - The bra is invented (Mary Phelps Jacob, United States)

"... Mary Phelps Jacob, a young New York socialite who became exasperated with the antiquated corsets after finding it impossible to prevent the support rods from poking out from underneath the fabric of her evening gown. Determined to create a more comfortable, less cumbersome alternative, Jacob took two silk handkerchiefs and, with help from her maid, sewed them together using some pink ribbon and cord.

The resulting undergarment was soft and light, and it conformed to the wearer’s anatomy far more naturally than the traditional corsets. Soon requests poured in from family, friends and even strangers, all of whom wanted to purchase the new accessory. Recognizing the immense potential of her invention, Jacob quickly patented the "Backless Brassiere" and began selling the units under the name "Caresse Crosby."

Jacob's design was the first brassiere to enjoy widespread use, but its popularity did not peak until World War I, when the U.S. government requested that women stop...

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1914 - Woodrow Wilson signs a Mother's Day proclamation.

GIVES APPROVAL TO MOTHERS' DAY
President Wilson Acts on Joint Resolution of Congress
FLAGS ORDERED UP

Washington, May 9. - President Wilson today approved a joint resolution setting apart tomorrow as Mothers' day and issued a proclamation commanding that all flags be displayed in observance of the occasion. The proclamation recited the resolution and its purpose and continued:

"Whereas, by the said joint resolution it is made the duty of the president to request the observance of the second Sunday in May as provided for in the said joint resolution:

"Now, therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, president of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the said joint resolution, do hereby direct the government officials to display the United States flag on all government buildings and do invite the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places on the second Sunday in May as a public expression of our love and...

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1915 - The Rocky Mountain National Park is established by an act of the United States Congress.

PLACE OF BEAUTY IS NEW NATIONAL PARK IN THE ROCKIES

Congress has just set aside 700 square miles of mountainous region near Denver which will hereafter be known as the Rocky Mountain National park. It include Estes park, which recently has been visited annually by 30,000 tourists, according to an estimate made by R. B. Marshall, chief of the U.S. geological survey.

"There is no predominant commanding natural feature in Estes park such as is to be found in the Crater lake, the Yellowstone, or along the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, but the region as a whole is as beautiful as any to be found in the world," declares Marshall.

The Bismarck Tribune

Bismarck, North Dakota

January 24, 1915

1915 - January 25 - First United States coast-to-coast long-distance telephone call,

facilitated by a newly invented vacuum tube amplifier, ceremonially inaugurated by Alexander Graham Bell in New York City and his former assistant Thomas A. Watson, in San Francisco, California. (Wikipedia)

TELEPHONING FROM SHORE UNTO SHORE
A.G. Bell, Original Inventor, Talks from New York to San Francisco
ACROSS THE CONTINENT
Thomas A. Watson, His Early Assistant, at the Other End of the Long Line
MARKS EPOCH IN PHONE HISTORY

NEW YORK, January 25., - Late yesterday afternoon in an office within sight of the Statue of Liberty, Dr. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, talked over a line, the route of which is 3,400 miles long to Thomas A. Watson in San Francisco: This is the first time in history that the voice of a man has leaped in a single bound from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and yesterday's conversation between Dr. Bell and Mr. Watson repeats one of the most thrilling incidents of scientific history.

Mr. Watson was Bell's assistant during the long,...

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1916 - May 20 – The Saturday Evening Post publishes its first cover with a Norman Rockwell painting (Boy with Baby Carriage).

Norman Rockwell's "Boy with Baby Carriage" was a charming depiction of a young boy pushing a baby carriage, capturing a moment of innocence and playfulness. This cover marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between Rockwell and the Saturday Evening Post, as he went on to create over 300 covers for the magazine. Rockwell's covers became iconic, often portraying heartwarming scenes of American life that resonated with readers across the country. His work for the Saturday Evening Post helped solidify his reputation as one of America's most beloved and celebrated artists.

May 20, 1916

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1916 - On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14.

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The holiday was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson's proclamation in 1916, but it was not until 1949 that National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed in many communities across the country with parades, ceremonies, and the display of the American flag. It is a time for Americans to reflect on the importance of the flag and the values it represents.

May 30, 1916

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1917 - March 2 – The enactment of the Jones Act grants Puerto Ricans United States citizenship.

Citizenship for Porto Ricans.
From the New York Herald.

With the passage of the new government bill by the Senate yesterday all doubts of the future status of Puerto Ricans are removed. American citizenship is conferred upon them and with it there is provided a much greater amount of self-government than they ever have enjoyed. The enactment of this legislation represents another fore-ward step in the process of making the Carribean an American lake.

The Scranton Republican

Scranton, Pennsylvania

February 22, 1917

1917 - April 6 – WWI: The United States declares war on Germany.

U.S. At War
GERMAN SHIPS ARE SEIZED
HOUSE PASSES WAR BILL BY VOTE 373-50

Washington, April 6 - America is at war. Amidst the most dramatic scenes ever witnessed in congress, the House early today passed the resolution which formally declared Germany as an enemy and launched the United States in the fight for democracy of the world. The vote on the resolution was 373 to 50.

For the first time in history a woman voted on the question of war. With a sob and a protest of her love of country, she voted "no."

The only things left now to make the state of war formal are the signatures of Vice President Marshall and President Wilson to the war resolution.

Marshall will sign the document at noon in the senate. Then it will be sent by messenger to the White House - or Wilson himself will go to the capitol to seal with his name the tremendous step taken by this government.

The first blows will be struck at Germany. Secret orders covering precautionary steps within and without...

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1917 - June 5 – WWI: Conscription begins in the United States.

AVERAGE MAN HAS A 20 TO 1 CHANCE OF BEING DRAFTED
But He Must Register on Tuesday or Go to Jail
WAY OF "SLACKER" IS HARD

Eagle Bureau, 901 Colorado Building.

Washington, June 2 - As a betting proposition, the odds are 20 to 1 against the chance of the average American getting into the selective draft army of 500,000 men, to be assembled as the first unit under the new military act. If you are anxious to wear a uniform, the surest way is to go and volunteer in the Regular Army, the National Guard, the Marine Corps or the Navy; because if you wait to be drafted, you may stay at home.

The reason why the American citizen of military age is a 20-to-1 shot just now is due to the fact that the United States has tremendous resources of many power, which it proposes to tap very gradually. There are 10,000,000 men of military age - that is, men who are 21 years old and who have not reached the age of 31. Out of this 10,000,000 the Government proposes to select 500,000 to go into...

1918 - January 8 - New York v. Sanger, 222 NY 192, 118 N.E. 637 (Court of Appeals 1917), National Archives, Records of the U.S. Supreme Court, RG 267 (MSDME-CDS C 15:298).

Margaret Sanger wins her suit in New York to allow doctors to advise their married patients about birth control for health purposes.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

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1918 - March 19 – The United States Congress establishes time zones and approves daylight saving time (DST goes into effect on March 31).

Getting Used to the "Daylight Saving" Time.

"Daylight saving" is now a law, if not a fact, and as both the government and railroads are to adopt the new system, and most factories, the public will generally follow suit. This is not a mandatory law, but advisory, but a law of Congress was desired in this case for the same reason that it is desired in the case of prohibition. To avoid confusion and conflicting systems "daylight saving" must be national in scope.

In some localities the new arrangement will be more inconvenient than in others. Where the latitude corresponds fairly closely to the new time established in the time-zone system there will be little inconvenience. In Topeka we are near the western edge of a time-zone which extends from Pittsburg or Buffalo to Dodge City. We are therefore always, by the clock, considerably behind the actual time by the sun, and putting us ahead a full hour will make the time here in summer nearer what it would normally be, or was before...

1919 - February 26 – Grand Canyon National Park: An act of the United States Congress establishes most of the Grand Canyon as a United States National Park.

GRAND CANYON TO BECOME PARK AFTER FIGHT OF 33 YEARS

The senate bill to make the Grand Canyon a national park was passed last Monday and sent to conference. In the area set aside are 996 square miles of public land, now parts of two national forests and a game refuge.

The proposal has been before congress for 33 years.

Mohave County Miner

Kingman, Arizona

January 25, 1919

1919 - June 4 – Women's rights: The United States Congress approves the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which would guarantee suffrage to women, and sends it to the U.S. states for ratification.

SENATE ADOPTS AMENDMENT FOR SUFFRAGE, 56-25
Congress Puts Votes for Women Up to States for Ratification - Long Fight

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 5. - Action by Congress on equal suffrage - subject of a fight of 40 years duration - ended late yesterday, in adoption by the Senate by a vote of 56 to 25 of the historic Susan B. Anthony constitutional amendment resolution.

The proposed amendment, adopted by the House by a vote of 304 to 89, May 21, as the first act of the new Congress, now goes to the states ratification by legislatures of three-fourths of which is required for its incorporation in the Federal constitution.

The roll call today showed two votes more than the necessary two-thirds for the resolution, which was drafted by Susan B. Anthony in 1875 and introduced by Senator Sargent of California in 1878. Counting paired and absent members, the Senate actually stood 66 to 30 for the measure.

Senator Knox of Pennsylvania voted against the amendment. Senator Penrose,...

1919 - October 28 – Prohibition in the United States is authorized:

On October 28, 1919, the United States took a dramatic step in its experiment with moral and social regulation when Congress passed the Volstead Act, formally authorizing nationwide Prohibition. The law, designed to enforce the Eighteenth Amendment, banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, ushering in a new era of legal restrictions on alcohol consumption. President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the measure, expressing his opposition and emphasizing that he preferred Congress to repeal “war-time” Prohibition, but his objections were overridden, and the act became law.

The Volstead Act codified a nationwide policy that had already been emerging in many states during World War I, when restrictions on alcohol were justified in part as a patriotic measure to conserve grain and maintain social discipline. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer and other federal officials noted that the ban could not be lifted until the postwar peace treaties were ratified, creating...

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1919 - November 9 – Felix the Cat appears in Feline Follies, marking the first cartoon character to become popular.

"Feline Follies," released on November 9, 1919, was the first cartoon to feature Felix the Cat, created by Pat Sullivan and Otto Messmer. Felix quickly became a beloved character, known for his distinctive appearance with a large grin and expressive eyes. He starred in a series of silent cartoons known as "Felix the Cat cartoons," which were highly innovative for their time.

Felix's popularity soared in the 1920s, and he became a cultural icon of the era. His cartoons were among the earliest to feature synchronized sound and later, in the 1930s, he transitioned successfully into the sound era of animation. Felix's success paved the way for other animated characters and set the stage for the golden age of American animation in the 1930s and 1940s.

November 9, 1919

1920 - January 17 - Prohibition goes into effect on January 17, 1920, under the provisions of the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

'Cans' and 'Can'ts' of Amendment
Dry Amendment 'Cans' and 'Can'ts'

Here are some of the things you can do under a prohibition amendment and title 2 of the Volstead enforcement act, effective at 12:01 a.m., Jan. 17:

YOU CAN possess and drink intoxicating liquor in your own home or the home of a friend where you are a bona fide guest.

YOU CAN buy intoxicating liquor on doctor's prescription - if the transaction is a bona fide medical one. One person limited to a pint every ten days.

YOU CAN consider as your home any rooms, hotel, apartment house, boarding house or club where you live permanently, but not transiently. If you own more than one private dwelling, you can drink and keep liquor in each.

YOU CAN keep liquor in any storage room or locker of your home, including a club. If the storage room or locker is for the exclusive use of yourself, family and bona fide friends.

YOU CAN get a permit to move your liquor when you move your place of residence.

YOU CAN...

1920 - August 18 - The Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified. It declares: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1921 - March 4 - Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) becomes 29th President of the United States

When the 1920 convention was deadlocked between Leonard Wood and Frank O. Lowden, Harding became the dark-horse nominee on his solemn affirmation that there was no reason in his past that he should not be. Straddling the League question, Harding was easily elected over James M. Cox, his Democratic opponent. His cabinet contained some able men, but also some manifestly unfit for public office. Harding's own intimates were mediocre when they were not corrupt. The impending disclosure of the Teapot Dome scandal in the Interior Department and illegal practices in the Justice Department and Veterans' Bureau, as well as political setbacks, profoundly worried him. On his return from Alaska in 1923, he died unexpectedly in San Francisco on Aug. 2.

www.infoplease.com

March 4, 1921

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1922 - June 14 – U.S. President Warren G. Harding makes his first speech on the radio.

President Warren G. Harding, while addressing a crowd at the dedication of a memorial site for the composer of the "Star Spangled Banner," Francis Scott Key, becomes the first president to have his voice transmitted by radio. The broadcast heralded a revolutionary shift in how presidents addressed the American public. It was not until three years later, however, that a president would deliver a radio-specific address. That honor went to President Calvin Coolidge.

history.com

June 14, 1922

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1923 to 1927 - Television is invented (Vladimir Kosma Zworykin (Russia), Philo Taylor Farnsworth (United States))

...Zworykin had a patent, but Farnsworth had a picture

Zworykin and his television
Zworykin is usually credited as being the father of modern television. This was because the patent for the heart of the TV, the electron scanning tube, was first applied for by Zworykin in 1923, under the name of an iconoscope. The iconoscope was an electronic image scanner - essentially a primitive television camera.

Farnsworth was the first of the two inventors to successfully demonstrate the transmission of television signals, which he did on September 7, 1927, using a scanning tube of his own design.
Farnsworth received a patent for his electron scanning tube in 1930.

Zworykin was not able to duplicate Farnsworth's achievements until 1934 and his patent for a scanning tube was not issued until 1938.

The truth of the matter is this, that while Zworykin applied for the patent for his iconoscope in 1923, the invention was not functional until some years later and all earlier efforts...

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1923 - March 2 – Time Magazine hits newsstands in the United States for the first time.

Time Magazine, founded by Briton Hadden and Henry Luce, revolutionized the magazine industry with its distinctive blend of current affairs, politics, and cultural coverage. Its inaugural issue featured a stark red border, a format that would become iconic for the publication. Time's goal was to condense the week's news into a concise format, offering readers a quick and comprehensive overview of important events—a novel concept at the time. This approach proved immensely popular, and Time quickly became one of the most influential publications in the United States.

March 2, 1923

1923 - April 4 – Warner Bros. film studio is formally incorporated in the United States as Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc.

Warner Bros. Pictures, commonly referred to as Warner Bros. and Warner Brothers, is one of the oldest and most well-known film studios in the world. It was founded by four brothers: Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner. The studio played a significant role in the Golden Age of Hollywood, producing many classic films and introducing several innovations to the industry.

One of Warner Bros.' early successes was the introduction of synchronized sound in motion pictures, known as "talking pictures." Their film "The Jazz Singer," released in 1927, was the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue sequences, marking the beginning of the end for the silent film era.

April 4, 1923

1923 - August 2 - Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) becomes 30th President of the United States

After Warren Harding's death Vice-President Coolidge became President and handled the Washington scandals with care and finally managed to save the Republican Party from public blame for the widespread corruption.

In 1924, Coolidge was elected without difficulty, defeating the Democrat, John W. Davis, and Robert M. La Follette running on the Progressive ticket. His second term, like his first, was characterized by a general satisfaction with the existing economic order. He stated that he did not choose to run in 1928.

www.infoplease.com

August 2, 1923

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1924 - June 2 - Congress Granted Citizenship to All Native Americans Born in the U.S.

Citizenship Given Indians
- Long Beach Press -

Every native-born Indian in this country is made a citizen of the United States by act of President Coolidge in signing the Indian Citizenship measure. About 125,000 Indians are given citizenship by this latest act of Congress. About 200,000 Indians already have been made citizens.

This is merited recognition of the claims the American Indian has upon the paleface "powers that be." The Indian of today has yielded to the educational accommodations insisted upon by the white man. Many educated Indians have demonstrated their abilities and usefulness. They deserve citizenship. Furthermore, as a matter of sentiment, Indians should be enfranchised. They are the aborigines of this country - there forebears were. The white man wrested this continent from the Indian. While enmity between the two races was long and bitter, yet, in these latter days feeling between them has improved.

The animosities of generations agone have passed. The...

1924 - The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, (43 Stat. 253, enacted June 2, 1924) was an Act of the United States Congress that granted US citizenship to the indigenous peoples of the United States.

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, also known as the Snyder Act, was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the country. Before this act, many Native Americans were not considered citizens, despite living in the United States for generations.

The Act was proposed by Representative Homer P. Snyder of New York and signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge on June 2, 1924. It was a significant step towards recognizing the rights of Native Americans and was influenced by the efforts of Native American activists and organizations, such as the Society of American Indians, who advocated for citizenship rights.

The Act, however, did not automatically grant voting rights to Native Americans, as voting rights were governed by state law. Some states continued to disenfranchise Native Americans even after they were granted citizenship. It wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s, with the passage of the Voting Rights Act and ...

1924 - December 30 – Astronomer Edwin Hubble announces that Andromeda, previously believed to be a nebula, is actually another galaxy, and that the Milky Way is only one of many such galaxies in the universe

Edwin Hubble's discovery in 1924 revolutionized our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Before his findings, astronomers believed that the Milky Way was the extent of the universe, and that objects like the Andromeda "nebula" were part of our galaxy.

Hubble, using the newly constructed 100-inch Hooker telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory in California, was able to observe individual stars in the Andromeda "nebula." By studying these stars, he determined that Andromeda was much farther away than previously thought, and that it was, in fact, a separate galaxy similar to our own Milky Way.

This discovery fundamentally changed our view of the cosmos, suggesting that the universe was far larger and more complex than we had imagined. It also provided evidence for the expanding universe theory, which would later lead to the development of the Big Bang theory. Hubble's work laid the foundation for modern cosmology and earned him a lasting place in the annals of...

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1926 - November 11 – U.S. Route 66 is established.

Established on November 11, 1926, U.S. Route 66, often referred to as the Main Street of America or the Mother Road, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. It ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending in Santa Monica, California, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km).

Route 66 was a major route for those who migrated west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and later became one of the main routes for vacationers heading to the Pacific coast. The highway passed through numerous towns and cities, providing a lifeline for many small businesses along its path.

The highway's popularity peaked in the 1950s and 1960s with the rise of the American automobile culture. However, with the completion of the Interstate Highway System, Route 66 gradually became less traveled and was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in...

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1927 - April 7 – Bell Telephone Co. transmits an image of Herbert Hoover (then the Secretary of Commerce), which becomes the first successful long distance demonstration of television

TELEVISION SEEING OVER PHONES, SUCCEEDS
Hoover Observed in Gotham As He Talks in Capital
That's Not all - Radio Program is Also Heard While the Performers Are Seen
Years of Research Culminate Thursday
Images of Speakers and Actors Are Thrown on Both Large and Small Screens

NEW YORK, April 7. - (AP) - Television, a scientists' dream ever since the telephone was invented half a century ago, became an actuality today when Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover spoke over the telephone in Washington and was seen as well as heard in the Bell Telephone laboratories here.

Not only were Secretary Hoover and a score of others in Washington seen in New York by telephone wire, but a radio program was broadcast over the laboratories' experiment station 3XN at Whippany, N.J., and moving likenesses of the performers as well as the sound of their voices were put on air and transferred to a screen in this city.

Years of Research
Officials of the American Telephone and Telegraph company...

1927 - May 20–21 – Charles Lindbergh makes the first solo, nonstop transatlantic airplane flight, carried out from New York City to Paris, France, in his single-engined aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis.

PROUD AND HAPPY MOTHER JUST KNEW HE COULD DO IT
DETROIT, Mich., May 21. (AP) - "That's all that matters." In these words, Mrs. Evangeline Lodge Lindbergh, mother of Captain Charles Lindbergh, expressed her relief when informed that her intrepid son had arrived safely at Le Bourget flying field, France, after an epochal flight from New York.

Mrs. Lindbergh, who had been silently waiting since the take-off from New York yesterday morning, for the word of her son's safe arrival, allowed herself a few tears of joy, and then said:

"I am deeply thankful for his safety and appreciative of the true sympathy expressed by so many people."

Asked whether she had been confident of his success, she countered with:

"How could anyone be confident?" Then she added: "I knew if it were possible for any pilot, given a good machine, to make the flight, that he...

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1927 - September 18 – The Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System (later known as CBS) is formed and goes on the air with 47 radio stations.

The formation of the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System (CBS) in 1927 was a significant event in the history of broadcasting in the United States. CBS was created through the consolidation of various radio stations and networks, including the United Independent Broadcasters and the Columbia Phonograph Broadcasting System.

At its inception, CBS had 47 radio stations under its network, making it one of the largest broadcasting networks in the country at that time. The network quickly grew in popularity, thanks to its innovative programming and talented personalities. CBS became known for its high-quality news coverage, entertainment programs, and sports broadcasts.

September 18, 1927

1927 - The Jazz Singer debuts as first talking film

Al Jolson's Film Debut in "Jazz Singer" Oct. 6

Warner Brothers will present Al Jolson in "The Jazz Singer" at the Warner Theater a week from tonight. The long-awaited presentation of the picturization of Samson Raphaelson's comedy drama, which continues to be a potent attraction on the legitimate stage, will be made a gala event by the Warners and will be attended by Jolson and a number of motion picture celebrities, some of whom are coming from Hollywood to be present at the premiere.

The presentation of "The Jazz Singer" takes on importance for several reasons, two of which stand out prominently. One is that it will mark Al Jolson's debut as a screen star and the other is that "The Jazz Singer," through the instrumentality of Vitaphone, will show the greatest step forward in the presentation of motion pictures that the screen has known. It will be the first time that Vitaphone will have been brought into play in carrying out the story of a picture, inasmuch as through it all...

1928 - Sliced bread (bread slicing machine) is invented by Otto Frederick Rohwedder (United States)

"...The first automatically sliced commercial loaves were produced on July 6, 1928, in Chillicothe, Missouri, using a machine invented by Otto Rohwedder, an Iowa-born, Missouri-based jeweler. Rohwedder’s quest to make sliced bread a reality was not without its challenges. A 1917 fire destroyed his prototype and blueprints, and he also faced skepticism from bakers, who thought factory-sliced loaves would quickly go stale or fall apart. Nevertheless, in 1928, Rohwedder’s rebuilt “power-driven, multi-bladed” bread slicer was put into service at his friend Frank Bench’s Chillicothe Baking Company.

Rohwedder’s newfangled contraption was greeted with an enthusiastic report in the July 6, 1928, edition of the Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune, which noted that while some people might find sliced bread “startling,” the typical housewife could expect “a thrill of pleasure when she first sees a loaf of this bread with each slice the exact counterpart of its fellows. So neat and precise are...

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1929 - February 26 – The Grand Teton National Park is established by the United States Congress.

The establishment of Grand Teton National Park in 1929 was a significant event in the conservation history of the United States. The park is located in northwestern Wyoming and encompasses the major peaks of the Teton Range as well as the northern part of Jackson Hole.

The creation of the park was a culmination of efforts to protect the stunning natural beauty of the area, including the iconic Grand Teton peak, which rises to an elevation of 13,775 feet (4,199 meters). The park also preserves a diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, alpine meadows, and lakes.

Before becoming a national park, the area faced threats from development, including potential mining and logging activities. Conservationists and local residents worked together to advocate for the protection of the area, leading to its designation as a national...

1929 - March 4 - Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) becomes 31st President of the United States

In the election of 1928, Hoover overwhelmed Gov. Alfred E. Smith of New York, the Democratic candidate and the first Roman Catholic to run for the presidency. He soon faced the worst depression in the nation's history, but his attacks upon it were hampered by his devotion to the theory that the forces that brought the crisis would soon bring the revival and then by his belief that there were too many areas in which the federal government had no power to act. In a succession of vetoes, he struck down measures proposing a national employment system or national relief, he reduced income tax rates, and only at the end of his term did he yield to popular pressure and set up agencies such as the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to make emergency loans to assist business.

After his 1932 defeat, Hoover returned to private...

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1930 - February 18 - Pluto is discovered

Pluto was discovered at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, by astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh.

The existence of an unknown ninth planet was first proposed by Percival Lowell, who theorized that wobbles in the orbits of Uranus and Neptune were caused by the gravitational pull of an unknown planetary body. Lowell calculated the approximate location of the hypothesized ninth planet and searched for more than a decade without success. However, in 1929, using the calculations of Powell and W.H. Pickering as a guide, the search for Pluto was resumed at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona. On February 18, 1930, Tombaugh discovered the tiny, distant planet by use of a new astronomic technique of photographic plates combined with a blink microscope. His finding was confirmed by several other astronomers, and on March 13, 1930 - the anniversary of Lowell's birth and of William Hershel's discovery of Uranus - the discovery of Pluto was publicly...

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1930 - April 6 - Hostess Twinkies first sold.

On April 6, 1930, the first Hostess Twinkies went on sale, marking the debut of what would become one of America’s most iconic snack foods. The invention came from James Alexander Dewar, a baker at the Continental Baking Company in Schiller Park, Illinois. Dewar, noticing that machines used to produce cream-filled strawberry shortcakes sat idle when strawberries were out of season, devised a new treat: a sponge cake filled with banana cream. The name “Twinkie” reportedly came from a St. Louis billboard advertising “Twinkle Toe Shoes,” inspiring the catchy moniker that would endure for decades.

Twinkies quickly became a popular treat, but their flavor evolved over time due to broader historical events. During World War II, bananas were rationed, and the company substituted vanilla cream for the original banana filling. The change proved surprisingly popular, and vanilla became the standard Twinkie flavor, with banana cream largely relegated to limited-time promotions. Over the...

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1930 - April 19 – Warner Bros. in the United States release their first cartoon series called Looney Tunes which runs until 1969.

Looney Tunes, which debuted in 1930, became one of the most beloved and enduring animated series in history. It featured a cast of colorful and zany characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Tweety Bird, Sylvester the Cat, and many others. The cartoons were known for their slapstick humor, clever wit, and memorable catchphrases.

Over the years, Looney Tunes evolved and adapted to changing times, but it remained a staple of popular culture. The series introduced new characters and continued to entertain audiences of all ages with its clever storytelling and humorous antics.

In addition to its entertainment value, Looney Tunes also had a significant impact on the animation industry. It helped to popularize the use of synchronized sound in cartoons and set the standard for animated...

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1930 - July 7 - Construction begins on the Hoover Dam (originally known as the Boulder Dam)

On July 7, 1930, construction began on the Hoover Dam. President Herbert Hoover was deeply devoted to protecting the environment, particularly focusing on pollution-free water, flood control, and fisheries. After a disastrous Mississippi River flood in 1927, Hoover recommitted to bettering American infrastructure to prevent another catastrophe.

obamawhitehouse.archives.gov

July 7, 1930

1930 - Scotch tape is invented (Richard Drew (3M), United States)

"...Back in the ’20s, Scotch was a synonym for 'cheap.' Richard Drew, a 23-year-old research assistant at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, was trying to create a sticky-but-not-too-sticky adhesive tape for auto painters to use on two-tone paint jobs. When he erred on the not-too-sticky side, one of the car-painters asked, 'Why so Scotch with the adhesive?' and a brand name was born.

An engineering-school dropout who supported himself by playing the banjo for Twin Cities dance bands, Drew’s first job at 3M was delivering sandpaper samples to auto shops. There he heard so much cursing about paint jobs ruined by overly sticky tape that he set about trying to make a better one. In 1925, after two years of experimentation, he hit upon the winning formula — a blend of cabinetmaker’s glue and glycerin. Scotch brand masking tape was born..."

The New York Times

New York, New York

July 20, 2014

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1931 - The paper towel is invented (Arthur Scott, United States)

"Arthur Scott, head of [Scott Paper Company], had big trouble. An entire railroad car full of paper, unloaded at his plant, wasn't good for anything because the paper had been rolled too thick for toilet tissue, its intended purpose. Was he going to send the whole load back?

Meanwhile, Scott heard about a certain teacher in the city school system who had developed a novel idea to help fight colds in school. She gave every runny nosed student a small piece of soft paper to use. That way the roller towel in the toilets would not become contaminated with germs. Scott decided he would try to sell the carload of paper. He perforated the thick paper into small towel-size sheets and sold them as disposable paper towels. Later he renamed the product Sani-Towel and sold them to hotels , restaurants, and railroad stations for use in public washrooms.

In 1931, Scott introduced the first paper towel for the kitchen and created a whole new grocery category. He made perforated rolls of...

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1931 - March 3 – The Star-Spangled Banner is adopted as the United States National anthem.

ANTHEM BILL PASSED
WASHINGTON - March 3 - (AP) - The Senate today passed and sent to the House a bill to make "The Star Spangled Banner" the national anthem. The bill was approved without debate after Senator Tydings, Democrat, Maryland, had persuaded senators to withdraw objections which had previously prevented its passage.

Miami Daily News-Record

Miami, Florida

March 3, 1931

1932 - January 12 – Hattie W. Caraway becomes the first woman elected to the United States Senate.

Hattie Wyatt Caraway served for 14 years in the U.S. Senate and established a number of "firsts," including her 1932 feat of winning election to the upper chamber of Congress in her own right. Drawing principally from the power of the widow's mandate and the personal relationships she cultivated with a wide cross–section of her constituency, "Silent Hattie" was a faithful, if staid, supporter of New Deal reforms, which aided her largely agricultural state...

http://history.house.gov

January 12, 1932

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1932 - June 6 – The Revenue Act of 1932 is enacted, creating the first gas tax in the United States at 1 cent per US gallon sold.

The Revenue Act of 1932, also known as the Mellon Tax Bill, was a significant piece of legislation during the Great Depression. It was signed into law by President Herbert Hoover on June 6, 1932, as a response to the economic challenges of the time. The act was primarily aimed at increasing revenue for the federal government, which was facing a significant budget deficit.

One of the key provisions of the act was the introduction of the first federal gasoline tax in the United States. The tax was set at 1 cent per gallon of gasoline sold, which amounted to approximately 0.26 cents per liter. This tax was imposed as a way to fund the government's highway construction and maintenance projects, as well as to provide some relief for the struggling economy.

The introduction of the gas tax was a significant development in American tax policy, as it marked the first time that the federal government had directly taxed a specific consumer product. The tax was initially met with some...

1933 - March 4 - Franklin D. Roosevelt (1822-1945) becomes 32nd President of the United States - The only President to be elected four times.

In 1932, Roosevelt received the Democratic nomination for president and immediately launched a campaign that brought new spirit to a weary and discouraged nation. He defeated Hoover by a wide margin. His first term was characterized by an unfolding of the New Deal program, with greater benefits for labor, the farmers, and the unemployed, and the progressive estrangement of most of the business community.

At an early stage, Roosevelt became aware of the menace to world peace posed by totalitarian fascism, and from 1937 on he tried to focus public attention on the trend of events in Europe and Asia. As a result, he was widely denounced as a warmonger. He was reelected in 1936 over Gov. Alfred M. Landon of Kansas by the overwhelming electoral margin of 523 to 8, and the gathering international crisis prompted him to run for an unprecedented third term in 1940. He defeated Wendell L. Willkie.

Roosevelt's program to bring maximum aid to Britain and, after June 1941, to Russia was...

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1933 - March, The Great Depression: President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares a "Bank holiday", closing all United States banks and freezing all financial transactions.

Bank Holiday Causes Flood of Freak News
Church Calls Moratorium; Movies on Credit; Lucky San Pedro
(By United Press)
NEW YORK, March 3 - Mrs. Martha Laughran, Brooklyn boarding house keeper, became nervous over the banking situation and today visited two banks to withdraw her savings.

When she left the second bank the white pocketbook under her arm contained $10,180.

On Forty-eighth street a man jostled her, snatched the pocketbook from her and fled. He escaped in an automobile with another man.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A moratorium on collections has been instituted by St. Andrew's Episcopal church in order to avoid embarrassing persons unable to contribute.

Some members have been staying away from services, the vestry announced, because they were unable to put money in the collection plate.

FOLSOM PRISON, Cal. - Peter Farrington was happy today over the three-day banking holiday proclaimed by Governor James Rolph, Jr.

Farrington, under sentence of death for killing a...

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1933 - April 5 - President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt declares a national emergency and issues Executive Order 6102, making it illegal for U.S. citizens to own substantial amounts of monetary gold or bullion.

Issues A New Call For Gold
Roosevelt Orders Return to Federal Reserve Banks of All Amounts over $100 Held by Individuals.
WOULD EASE EMBARGO
Treasury to Issue licenses Permitting Use of Gold in Necessary Transactions.

Washington, April 5 (AP) - President Roosevelt today ordered the return of all gold over $100 held by individuals to the federal reserve system before May 1.

In the same executive order, the President authorized the secretary of the treasury to issue licenses permitting the use of gold in necessary domestic and foreign trade transactions. For violation of the order the President decreed a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment of 10 years or both.

The order was issued to get such gold as is still in hoarding and to ease the national embargo to permit legitimate transactions under federal license.

The following exceptions are made:

"Such amounts of gold as may be required for legitimate and customary use in industry, profession or art within a...

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1933 - April 19 – The United States officially goes off the gold standard.

U.S. Off the Gold Standard
First Time in Half Century

United States' Action in Leaving Gold Standard Felt Over the World
(By The Associated Press).

The first official departure of the United State from the gold standard in more than fifty years was felt today throughout the world.

London. - Britain's reaction was puzzlement and extreme anxiety. The dollar value dropped heavily, at one time it was $3,90 to the pound. The British government rejected the theory that the United States took the step to provide itself with a bludgeon for the MacDonald-Roosevelt negotiations.

Paris. - Stocks jumped upward and the dollar closed on the Bourse at 22.45 francs, the lowest in more than seven years.

Berlin. - A high financial authority said that in the long run present fluctuations could not touch the dollar value, for the United States is the world's creditor. The dollar dropped.

Rome. - Large groups of American tourists called at banks and travel agencies seeking advice. The...

1933 - May 27 - New Deal: The Federal Securities Act is signed into law, requiring the registration of securities with the Federal Trade Commission.

The Federal Securities Act of 1933 was one of the first major pieces of legislation passed to regulate the securities industry in the United States. It was enacted in response to the stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression, which revealed widespread abuses and fraud in the securities markets.

One of the key provisions of the act was the requirement that companies issuing securities to the public must fully disclose all relevant information about the securities, including the company's financial condition and the risks involved in investing in the securities. This requirement was intended to provide investors with the information they needed to make informed decisions about their investments and to prevent fraudulent practices such as insider trading and stock manipulation.

The act also established the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to enforce the new regulations and oversee the securities industry. The SEC was given broad authority to regulate the...

1933 - November 8 – New Deal: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt unveils the Civil Works Administration, an organization designed to create jobs for more than 4 million of the unemployed.

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was a short-lived but impactful program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 in response to the Great Depression. It was designed to rapidly create manual-labor jobs for millions of unemployed workers. The CWA was part of Roosevelt's broader New Deal initiatives aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the economic crisis.

The CWA operated from November 1933 to March 1934 and was headed by Harry L. Hopkins, who later became one of Roosevelt's closest advisors. The program focused on quickly creating jobs, primarily in construction, renovation, and improvement of public buildings, roads, and parks. Projects ranged from building schools and airports to repairing roads and bridges.

The CWA's impact was significant, employing millions of people and injecting much-needed money into the economy. However, it was criticized for its high cost and for being temporary in nature. Despite its short duration, the CWA laid...

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1933 - December 5 – The 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution is passed, repealing Prohibition.

Obey Rum Law, F.D.R. Urges
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5. (AP) - President Roosevelt late today signed a proclamation declaring the prohibition amendment had been repealed.

In the proclamation, the president called upon all citizens to co-operate with the government in efforts to restore "greater respect for law and order" by confining purchases of alcoholic beverages to dealers or agencies licensed by the state or federal governments.

He asked the wholehearted co-operation of all citizens to the end that the return of "individual freedom" should not be accompanied "by the repugnant conditions that obtained prior to the adoption of the Eighteenth amendment and those that have existed since its adoption." He said failure to do this honestly and courageously would be "a living reproach to us all."

"I ask that no state shall by law or otherwise authorize the return of the saloon either in its old form in some modern guise.

"The policy of the government will be to see to it that the...

1934 - The metal beverage can is invented (American Can Co., United States)

The American Can Company created a Coin Bank made from a metal beverage can and sold it at the 1934 Chicago Century of Progress Worlds Fair.

Canned beer made its debut January 24, 1935. Fairport’s (NY) former American Can Company is part of beer can history. American Can made the first beer can for Krueger Brewing in Newark, N.J.

collectors.com

1935 - Dust Bowl: The great dust storm in the United States hits eastern New Mexico and Colorado, and western Oklahoma the hardest.

LIFE IN DUST BOWL OF UNITED STATES BEING RULED TODAY BY THREE WORDS - "IF IT RAINS"

By Robert Geiger
(Associated Press Staff Writer.)
GUYON, Okla., April 15. - (AP.) - Three little words - achingly familiar on a western farmer's tongue - rule life today in the dust bowl! of the continent ---.

If it rains...

Ask any farmer, any merchant, any banker what the outlook is, and you hear them - if it rains...

If it rains... some farmers will get a wheat crop.
If it rains... fresh row crops may flourish.
If it rains... pasture and range for livestock may be stored.
If it rains... fields quickly lifted into wind-resisting clods may stop the dust.
If it rains... it always has!

The next three weeks will tell the story.

Black and saffron clouds of dust, spectacular, menacing, intensely irritating to man and beast alike, choking, blowing out tender crops, and lasting without mercy for days, have darkened everything but hope and a sense of humor in the dust sector of the...

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1935 - August 14 – United States President Franklin Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act into law.

Roosevelt Sees New Steps To Social Security For Nation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15. (AP). - President Roosevelt, embarking the government on the New Deal's vast social security program, forsees further social and economic adjustments to come.

When he signed the Security bill into law yesterday, amid formal ceremony, he said it was a "cornerstone in a structure which is being built but is by no means complete."

The bill, which the President said would apply to 30,000,000 persons, provides for contributory old age pensions., Federal-state pensions for aged needy, a Federal-State unemployment insurance system, special fare for dependent children and mothers. It contains a huge tax program to raise the funds.

Legislators and high officials surrounded the President in the cabinet room as he affixed his signature. He spoke into sound cameras recording the event. A secretary told newsmen that the President used "about 30 pens" to sign the bill, so that numerous requests for souvenirs could ...

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1935 - November 5 – Parker Brothers releases the board game Monopoly in the United States.

Monopoly has a fascinating history. The game was actually created several years earlier, in 1903, by a woman named Elizabeth Magie. She called her game "The Landlord's Game" and designed it to demonstrate the economic consequences of land monopolism.

Over time, the game evolved, and Charles Darrow, an unemployed heating engineer, developed a version of it in the early 1930s. He eventually sold the game to Parker Brothers, who released it in 1935. The game quickly became a sensation, captivating players with its blend of luck, strategy, and ruthless competition.

Monopoly's enduring appeal lies in its ability to simulate the real estate market, challenging players to buy, trade, and develop properties while dealing with chance occurrences like "Chance" and "Community Chest" cards. Its iconic tokens, such as the top hat and the thimble, have become staples of the game.

Since its release, Monopoly has been translated into numerous languages and inspired countless editions based...

1936 - May 12 – The Santa Fe railroad in the United States inaugurates the all-Pullman Super Chief passenger train between Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California.

NEW SANTA FE DIESEL 'CHIEF' TO START RUN

Limited Begins 39-Hour Dash to Los Angeles From Chicago On Trip Tonight

Operating on a schedule of 39 hours and 45 minutes, the Santa Fe's new Super Chief, powered with the Diesel locomotive, will leave Chicago tonight on its first run to the coast, arriving in San Bernadino at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

Effective Sunday, the Chief, drawn by steam locomotives, went on a 50 hour and 25 minute schedule for the Los Angeles to Chicago run.

The Chief, for years the fastest train between Los Angeles and Chicago, has been covering the 2,225 miles eastbound in 55 hours. The new schedule cuts four hours and 35 minutes off the run to Chicago, and nine hours and 45 minutes to New York, according to James B. Duffy, assistant passenger traffic manager.

BIRTHDAY PARTY
A triple birthday party will mark the departure of the Super Chief from Chicago tonight. The occasion will not only mark the birth of a new train which will make railroad history in...

1936 - May 30 – Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone with the Wind is first published.

"Gone with the Wind" is a novel set in the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. It follows the life of Scarlett O'Hara, a strong-willed Southern belle, as she navigates the challenges of war, love, and loss. The book explores themes of survival, resilience, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.

Margaret Mitchell began writing the novel in 1926 and spent nearly a decade researching and refining the story before it was published in 1936. The book was an instant success, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937 and becoming one of the best-selling novels of all time.

"Gone with the Wind" was later adapted into a highly successful film in 1939, starring Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler. The film won multiple Academy Awards and further cemented the story's place in popular culture.

Despite its enduring popularity, "Gone with the Wind" has faced criticism for its romanticized portrayal of the antebellum ...

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1936 - August 14 - 1936 Summer Olympics (Berlin): The United States men's national basketball team wins the first Olympic basketball tournament in the final game over Canada, 19–8.

On August 14, 1936, at the Summer Olympics in Berlin, the United States men’s national basketball team won the very first Olympic basketball tournament, defeating Canada 19–8 in the final game. This victory marked a significant milestone in the history of international sports, as basketball made its Olympic debut, bringing the fast-growing American pastime to a global audience for the first time.

The tournament was played outdoors on clay and sand courts, which made conditions difficult and kept scoring low compared to modern standards. Nevertheless, the American team, composed largely of college players and amateurs, demonstrated superior skill, coordination, and endurance, reflecting the country’s early dominance in the sport. The victory not only established the United States as the preeminent power in basketball but also contributed to the sport’s growing international popularity, inspiring other nations to develop their own competitive programs.

This 1936 gold medal laid...

1936 - November 23 – The first edition of Life Magazine is published.

Life Magazine, launched in 1936, was a groundbreaking publication known for its innovative approach to photojournalism and its extensive coverage of American culture and society. The magazine was the brainchild of Henry Luce, who sought to create a magazine that would capture the essence of life in the United States through powerful images and compelling stories.

The first issue of Life featured a cover photo of the Fort Peck Dam by Margaret Bourke-White, one of the magazine's most famous photographers. Inside, the magazine included photo essays on a variety of subjects, including the Dust Bowl, the Hindenburg disaster, and the coronation of King George VI.

Life quickly became one of the most popular and influential magazines in the United States, with a circulation of over 1 million within the first year. Its success was due in large part to its innovative use of photography, which set it apart from other publications of the time. Life's photographers were known for their...

1936 - United States v. One Package of Japanese Pessaries, 13 F. Supp.334 (E.D.N.Y 1936) aff’d 86 F 2d 737 (2nd Cir. 1936), won judicial approval of medicinal use of birth control.

United States v. One Package of Japanese Pessaries was a landmark case in the United States that played a crucial role in the acceptance of birth control. The case centered around the importation of contraceptives for medicinal use, specifically Japanese pessaries, which were used as a form of birth control.

In the early 20th century, there were strict laws in the United States prohibiting the distribution and use of contraceptives. However, in this case, Judge Grover Moscowitz of the Eastern District of New York ruled in favor of allowing the importation of the Japanese pessaries for medical purposes. The decision was based on the argument that the devices were being used for legitimate medical treatment and not for contraception.

The case was significant because it challenged the prevailing attitudes and legal restrictions regarding birth control at the time. It helped pave the way for the acceptance of contraception as a legitimate medical practice and laid the groundwork for ...

1937 - July 2 - Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappear after taking off from New Guinea during Earhart's attempt to become the first woman to fly around the world.

STARTED JUNE 1 ON WORLD HOP 'JUST FOR FUN'
First Attempt at Hazardous Trip Halted by Accident
SWITCHED DIRECTION
First Plan to Fly Westward Changed to Eastward Itinerary

WASHINGTON, July 2 (AP) - Amelia Earhart, the first woman ever to be presented withe the gold medal of the National Geographic Society, lifted her Lockheed Electra monoplane off a run-way at Miami, Fla., June 1, on the first leg of her projected flight around the world.

The flight, she had said, was being made "just for fun..."

Accompanying her as navigator was Capt. Fred Noonan...

Reading Times
Reading, Pennsylvania
July 3, 1937

AMELIA EARHART IS DOWN IN PACIFIC
Overshoots Tiny Island on Daring Pacific Hop
Gas Supply Gives Out, Aviatrix and Noonan Forced Down Near Howland Island
HONOLULU (AP) - Search for Amelia Earhart and her navigator was begun Friday by the coast guard cutter Itasca, only vessel within several hundred miles of tiny Howland Island where the aviatrix was long overdue on a...

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1937 - July 5 - The canned precooked meat product Spam is introduced by the Hormel company in the United States

Spam was introduced by the Hormel Foods Corporation during the Great Depression as an affordable and convenient meat product. It was initially marketed as a way to provide a high-quality protein source at a lower cost. The name "Spam" is a portmanteau of "spiced ham," although the product contains a blend of pork shoulder meat with ham.

During World War II, Spam became a staple in the diets of soldiers due to its long shelf life and easy transportability. It was included in military rations and became popular in many countries affected by the war. After the war, Spam continued to be a popular food item, particularly in Hawaii and other Pacific islands where it became integrated into local cuisines.

Spam's popularity has endured over the years, with different varieties and flavors being introduced to cater to changing tastes. ...

1937 - December 12 - Mae West makes a risque guest appearance on NBC's Chase and Sanborn Hour, which eventually results in her being banned from radio.

Their "Adam and Eve" Rankles
It was innocent fun in the script, and innocuous enough for N.B.C. officials in the final rehearsals, but the actual broadcast of "Adam and Eve," as done last Sunday by Miss West (particularly) and Don Ameche, Sunday, drew shouts of protest from all over the continent.

Mae As Eve Rouses Flood of Protests
Script, Rehearsals Harmless, But Actress "Pepped Up" Inflections On Air, and Sponsors Promise "Never Again"

NEW YORK, Dec. 17. - Ever since the Mae West-Charlie McCarthy frolic Sunday night, N.B.C. has been flooded with protests.

Headquarters in the R.C.A. building here were bombarded with telegrams, mail, phone calls. Each day the volume of kicks from all over the country increased. Women's clubs passed angry resolutions, sent copies to N.B.C.

The broadcasting company explains the situation thus: The script was inoffensive. The trouble was caused by the sexy implications Miss West read into the lines.

Miss West, say the broadcasters,...

1938 - January 3 – The March of Dimes is established by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

"Franklin Delano Roosevelt, an adult victim of polio, founds the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which he later renamed the March of Dimes Foundation, on this day in 1938. A predominantly childhood disease in the early 20th century, polio wreaked havoc among American children every summer. The virus, which affects the central nervous system, flourished in contaminated food and water and was easily transmitted. Those who survived the disease usually suffered from debilitating paralysis into their adult lives. In 1921, at the relatively advanced age of 39, Roosevelt contracted polio and lost the use of his legs. With the help of the media, his Secret Service and careful event planning, Roosevelt managed to keep his disease out of the public eye, yet his personal experience inspired in him an empathy with the handicapped and prompted him to the found the March of Dimes.

In 1926, Roosevelt started the non-profit Georgia Warm Springs Foundation on the site of the springs he ...

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1938 - February 4 - Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first cel-animated feature in motion picture history, is released in the United States following a premiere the previous year.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" was a significant achievement for Walt Disney and the world of animation. The film was based on the German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm and was a major gamble for Disney Studios, as nothing like it had been attempted in animation before.

The production of the film was an enormous undertaking. It employed hundreds of artists, animators, and technicians, who worked for years to bring the story to life. The animation techniques used, particularly the multiplane camera, gave the film a depth and richness that had never been seen in animation before.

When the film premiered in December 1937, it was an instant success, both critically and commercially. It was praised for its storytelling, animation, and music, with songs like "Whistle While You Work" and "Heigh-Ho" becoming instant classics.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" not only saved Disney Studios from financial ruin but also set the standard for animated filmmaking for years to come. It ...

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1938 - October 24 - The minimum wage is established by law in the United States.

In 1938, on October 24, the United States established the minimum wage through the Fair Labor Standards Act. This law set a minimum wage that applied to all workers, regardless of gender, marking a significant step toward fair labor practices and workers' rights.

October 24, 1938

1938 - Du Pont announces a name for its new synthetic yarn: "nylon". (October 27)

The invention of nylon in 1938 ushered in a textile revolution for consumers and the military alike, ultimately helping the Allies win World War II...

Nylon’s characteristics made for an ideal material to suit any number of uses, but DuPont decided early on that it would focus on a single market: ladies’ full-fashioned hosiery...

Before DuPont could take its new miracle fiber to the public, however, its leaders had to decide what to call it... According to Ernest Gladding, manager of the Nylon Division in 1941, the name had originally been "Nuron," which not only implied novelty but cleverly spelled "no run" backwards...

y early 1938 the press was producing a steady stream of articles that suggested that stockings made from the mystery fiber would outlast silk and never run. If DuPont executives had begun to grow nervous about unrealistic expectations, they grew truly alarmed in September 1938 when the Washington News ran a story based on the newly released patent (U.S....

1938 - October 30 – Orson Welles' radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds is broadcast, causing panic in various parts of the United States.

Martian Men Attack U.S.! Thousands Flee in Panic!! But Twas Only Wells and Welles

By Charles A. Grumich
NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (AP) - A horrible fantasy of war waged on the United States by fearsome, space-conquering men from Mars brought near panic to that part of the nation's radio audience which was not tuned in last night on Charlie McCarthy's rival radio program.

In the double-quick tempo of the news broadcasters, the fiction of a Columbia program became so realistic that hysteria prevailed among listeners throughout the United States and Canada.

Demands for investigation and correction came today with the belated reports of almost fantastic panic.

Senator Clyde L. Herring (D-Ia.) said he planned to introduce in Congress a bill "controlling just such abuses as was heard over the radio last night... Radio has no more right to produce program like that than someone has in knocking on your door and screaming," he added.

City Manager Paul Morton of Trenton, N.J., near the...

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1939 - May 1 – Batman, created by Bob Kane (and, unofficially, Bill Finger) makes his first appearance in a comic book.

Bob Kane, the artist, and writer behind Batman, created the character in response to the success of Superman, who had debuted a year earlier. Kane wanted a character who was darker and more mysterious than Superman, and thus Batman was born. However, it's worth noting that Bill Finger, while not officially credited until much later, played a significant role in shaping Batman's character, creating many of the elements that are now synonymous with the Dark Knight, such as his costume, gadgets, and origin story.

Batman's first appearance was in "Detective Comics #27" in May 1939. The character was an instant hit with readers, leading to his own comic book series, "Batman," which debuted the following year. Batman's popularity continued to grow over the years, leading to the creation of a vast universe of characters and storylines, including his sidekick Robin, his arch-nemesis the Joker, and the rest of his rogues' gallery.

Batman's enduring appeal lies in his complex personality...

1940 - May 15 - Women's stockings made of nylon are first placed on sale across the United States. Almost five million pairs are bought on this day.

Women Crowd Stores as Nylons Go on Sale
Curious Line Counters Two and Three Deep To Buy and Inspect New Synthetic Hosiery
By KATHERINE BLANCK

Brooklyn women today joined their eager sisters throughout the land in greeting the event they have awaited for more than a year.

Nylon stockings are on the market!

Shopping crowds were increased considerably as women flocked to the stores where the new synthetic hose, made of yarn, chemical fibre, coal, air and water, went on sale.

As soon as the stores opened at 9:30 the Nylon stocking counters were doing business to a curious throng of women, two and three deep. Within a hour, however, the shoppers had hit a normal stride. There was none of the pushing and grabbing peculiar to a sales table. The revolution in the stocking trade started quietly.

Two to a Customer
Most of the stores, their supplies limited, would sell only two pairs to a customer. Prices in general were $1.15, $1.25 and $1.35. One store sold a two-thread gauge ...

1941 - January 13 – All persons born in Puerto Rico since this day are declared U.S. citizens by birth, through U.S. federal law.

The 1941 law that conferred U.S. citizenship on individuals born in Puerto Rico was known as the Jones-Shafroth Act. It was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on March 2, 1917. Before this act, residents of Puerto Rico were considered statutory citizens, meaning they were subject to the jurisdiction of the United States but did not have full rights of citizenship.

The Jones-Shafroth Act granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans, which allowed them to travel freely between the island and the mainland, and to serve in the military. However, Puerto Rico remained a territory, and its residents did not have voting representation in Congress or the right to vote in presidential elections (although they could participate in primaries).

The act was named after its sponsors, Senator Wesley Jones of Washington and Representative William Atkinson Jones of Virginia, and it also established a bill of rights for Puerto Ricans and created a legislative assembly for the...

1941 - May 1 - The breakfast cereal Cheerios is introduced as CheeriOats by General Mills.

Cheerios, originally called CheeriOats, was created by General Mills in 1941 as a nutritious and tasty breakfast cereal. Its distinctive "O" shape was a result of a unique manufacturing process. The cereal was marketed as a healthy choice, being made from whole grain oats and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Cheerios quickly became a popular choice among consumers of all ages and remains a beloved cereal today.

May 1, 1941

1941 - October 23 – Walt Disney's animated film Dumbo is released

The film tells the story of a young circus elephant who learns to fly with the help of his oversized ears.

October 23, 1941

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1941 - December 8 - WWII: President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers his "Infamy Speech"

On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a Joint Session of the United States Congress in what would become one of the most famous speeches in American history: the “Infamy Speech.” Delivered at 12:30 p.m. EST, just one day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt’s words were broadcast live over all four major national radio networks, reaching an unprecedented audience—over 81% of American households tuned in to hear the president respond to the shock of the attack.

In his address, Roosevelt described December 7, 1941, as “a date which will live in infamy,” framing the Japanese assault as a deliberate and treacherous act against the United States. He detailed the scope of the attack and appealed to Congress for immediate action, calling for a declaration of war. The response was swift: within an hour, Congress voted overwhelmingly to authorize military action against Japan, and Roosevelt signed the declaration at 4:10 p.m., officially bringing the ...

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1941 - December 11 - Germany and Italy declare war on the United States. The U.S. responds in kind.

In 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, prompting the United States to enter World War II. On December 11, 1941, Germany and Italy, allies of Japan, declared war on the United States. In response, the U.S. declared war on Germany and Italy, entering the conflict on multiple fronts.

December 11, 1941

1942 - February 2 – WWII: President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt signs an executive order directing the internment of Japanese Americans and the seizure of their property.

The attack on Pearl Harbor launched a rash of fear about national security, especially on the West Coast. In February 1942, just two months after Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt as commander-in-chief, issued Executive Order 9066, which had the effect of relocating all persons of Japanese ancestry, both citizens and aliens, inland, outside of the Pacific military zone. The objectives of the order were to prevent espionage and to protect persons of Japanese descent from harm at the hands of Americans who had strong anti-Japanese attitudes.

In Washington and Oregon, the eastern boundary of the military zone was an imaginary line along the rim of the Cascade Mountains; this line continued down the spine of California from north to south. From that line to the Pacific coast, the military restricted zones in those three states were defined.

Roosevelt's order affected 117,000 people of Japanese descent, two-thirds of whom were native-born citizens of the United States. The Issei were ...

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1942 - June 4–June 7 – WWII: The Battle of Midway: The Japanese naval advance in the Pacific is halted.

The Battle of Midway, fought from June 4 to June 7, 1942, was a crucial naval battle between the United States and the Empire of Japan during World War II. It took place six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and was a turning point in the Pacific War.

The battle occurred near the Midway Atoll, a strategic location in the central Pacific Ocean. The Japanese, seeking to eliminate the United States as a strategic power in the Pacific, planned to capture Midway and use it as a base to launch further attacks on Hawaii and the American mainland.

However, U.S. Navy codebreakers were able to decipher Japanese communications and determine the date and location of the planned attack. American forces, under the command of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, were prepared and lay in wait for the Japanese fleet.

The battle began on June 4 when aircraft from American carriers attacked the Japanese fleet, sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers in a decisive blow. The Japanese lost a...

1942 - June 5 – The United States declares war on Bulgaria, Hungary & Romania.

In 1942, during World War II, the United States declared war on Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania due to their alliances with Nazi Germany and their involvement in the war. This declaration was part of the broader American effort to combat the Axis powers and support the Allied forces. The decision to declare war on these countries was influenced by their roles in supporting Germany's military efforts in Europe. Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania were part of the Axis powers, which also included Germany, Italy, and Japan. The United States' declaration of war signaled its commitment to the Allied cause and its determination to defeat the Axis powers.

June 5, 1942

1942 - August 13 - Walt Disney's fifth animated film, Bambi, is released in the United States.

"Bambi," released in 1942, is a classic animated film produced by Walt Disney. It is based on the 1923 book "Bambi, A Life in the Woods" by Austrian author Felix Salten. The film follows the story of a young deer named Bambi as he navigates the challenges of the forest, including the loss of his mother to a hunter.

The movie is known for its beautiful animation, especially its realistic depiction of the natural world. It was also notable for its emotional depth, as it dealt with themes of love, loss, and the cycle of life. The film's release coincided with a challenging time in world history, as it came out during World War II, and its themes resonated with audiences who were facing their own struggles and losses.

"Bambi" received critical acclaim for its animation and storytelling and has since become a beloved classic. It has been praised for its timeless themes and memorable characters, including Bambi's friends Thumper the rabbit and Flower the skunk. The film's impact has...

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1942 - December 1 – Gasoline rationing begins in the United States.

License Numbers To Be on Coupons

When individuals obtain their basic "A" gasoline rationing book, they must write their license number and states in which the automobile was registered on the back of each mileage ration coupon in ink, officials at the Denton County War Price and Ration Board said Tuesday. This will make the coupons valueless to anyone except the owner, and if the coupon book is lost or stolen, it can be more easily traced, it was explained.

Denton Record-Chronicle

Denton, Texas

November 17, 1942

1943 - February 7 – WWII: In the United States, it is announced that shoe rationing will go into effect in 2 days.

Steps in Rationing Listed

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (AP) - Step forward in your last pair of unrationed shoes and consider 13 months of rationing in the United States -

Tires came first. A buying wave broke out the day after Pearl Harbor and the Government froze all sales of new tires Dec. 11, 1941. Rationing began Jan. 5, 1942, under regulations designed to keep essential drivers on the road. Retread rationing followed Feb. 19.

Rationing of automobiles came March 2, with sales restricted generally to those requiring cars in their businesses.

Curtailed imports and runs on grocery stores preceded the start of sugar rationing May 5.

Rationing of gasoline began May 15 for 9,000,000 motorists of 17 eastern states, and was extended Dec. 1 to the other states.

Bicycles came under rationing July 9.

Fuel oil was rationed starting Oct. 1 in 30 states, and rationing is now being extended to the Pacific northwest.

Then coffee supplies became short, and staring Nov. 29 you...

1943 - Penicillin first used successfully to treat a patient

PENICILLIN IS NEW ERA IN MEDICINE

Changes Method Of War On Germs; Pales "Glory" Of Sulfa

By Howard W. Blakeslee
NEW YORK, Aug. 2. - (AP) - A new era in medicine, the conquest of germs by interfering with their eating and digestion, is sweeping through the military hospital of America and England.

The sulfa drugs started it, but the realization is coming through a newer and more successful remedy, penicillin.

The difference between the new era and the old is the difference between using a germ poison and a milder cure. Heretofore drugs for germs have poisoned and killed them outright.

The new remedies don't kill the germs as a rule, but weaken them by interfering with the germ's metabolism, leaving the body's natural defenses to kill the bacilli and make the cure.

The sulfas, by saving hundreds of thousands of lives, have demonstrated that this interference works better than outright killing. But the sulfas carry some risks, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea,...

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1944 - June 6 - WWII – D-Day:

155,000 Allied troops shipped from England land on the beaches of Normandy in northern France, beginning Operation Overlord and the Invasion of Normandy. The Allied soldiers quickly break through the Atlantic Wall and push inland, in the largest amphibious military operation in history. This operation helps liberate France from Germany, and also weakens the Nazi hold on Europe. (Wikipedia)

Early in the morning of June 6, 1944, Americans heard on their radios that thousands of American and British soldiers had landed on the beaches of northern France. They were fighting German soldiers. This day marked the beginning of the end of one of the bloodiest wars ever: World War II.

The American and British invasion of France was a top-secret mission called "Operation Overlord." When they landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, the goal of every soldier was to drive the German military back. Thousands of men died during that effort, either in the churning waves of the sea or by...

1944 - August 7 – IBM dedicates the first program-controlled calculator, the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (known best as the Harvard Mark I).

The Harvard Mark I, also known as the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, was one of the earliest electromechanical computers. It was developed by IBM and Harvard University, under the leadership of Howard Aiken. The Mark I was a massive machine, weighing about 5 tons and measuring 51 feet in length. It used over 750,000 components, including switches, relays, and mechanical counters.

The Mark I was designed to perform complex calculations automatically, using a series of punched paper tapes to control the sequence of operations. It was primarily used for mathematical calculations, such as those needed for military and scientific research during World War II.

The development of the Mark I laid the foundation for the modern digital computer. It demonstrated the feasibility and potential of programmable machines for performing a wide range of tasks, paving the way for the development of more advanced computers in the decades that...

1944 - August 9 – The United States Forest Service and the Wartime Advertising Council release posters featuring Smokey Bear for the first time.

The creation of Smokey Bear was a response to the need for forest fire prevention during World War II. The concern was that enemy attacks might set off wildfires on the West Coast, where Japanese submarines had been spotted. The iconic character was based on a real bear cub who was rescued from a wildfire in New Mexico in 1950. The cub, who suffered burns, was named Smokey Bear and became the living symbol of fire prevention. His message, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires," has since become deeply ingrained in American culture.

August 9, 1944

1944 - October 8 – The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet radio show debuts in the United States.

"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" was a long-running American sitcom that originally started as a radio show in 1944 before transitioning to television in 1952. The show starred the real-life Nelson family: Ozzie Nelson, his wife Harriet Nelson, and their sons David and Ricky. The sitcom followed the Nelson family's life at home, often dealing with relatable family situations and humorous misunderstandings. The television version of the show became even more popular than its radio predecessor, running for 14 seasons until 1966. It is widely regarded as one of the quintessential family sitcoms in American television history.

October 8, 1944

1945 - February 23 - Battle of Iwo Jima: A group of United States Marines reach the top of Mount Suribachi on the island and are photographed raising the American flag.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a major battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II. It took place from February 19 to March 26, 1945, between the United States and Japan. Iwo Jima, a small volcanic island located halfway between Japan and the Mariana Islands, was a strategic target for the United States because it would provide a vital base for air operations against the Japanese mainland.

The battle was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific War, with fierce fighting and high casualties on both sides. The Japanese had heavily fortified the island, and the terrain, which consisted of rugged volcanic peaks and caves, made the advance for the American forces incredibly challenging.

On February 23, 1945, a group of Marines reached the summit of Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island. It was there that they raised a small American flag, signaling a significant victory and a turning point in the battle. Later that day, a larger flag was raised, and Associated Press photographer...

1945 - April 12 - Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) becomes 33rd President of the United States

Elected vice president in 1944, Truman became president upon Roosevelt's sudden death in April 1945 and was immediately faced with the problems of winding down the war against the Axis and preparing the nation for postwar adjustment. Germany surrendered on May 8, and in July Truman attended the Potsdam Conference to discuss the settlement plans for postwar Europe. To end the war with Japan, he authorized the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 and Aug. 9, 1945. Japan surrendered on Aug. 14. Although the action undoubtedly saved many American lives by bringing the war to an end, the morality of the decision is still debated.

The years 1947–48 were distinguished by civil-rights proposals, the Truman Doctrine to contain the spread of Communism, and the Marshall Plan to aid in the economic reconstruction of war-ravaged nations. Truman's general record, highlighted by a vigorous Fair Deal campaign, brought about his unexpected election in 1948 over the heavily...

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1945 - The atomic bomb is invented (J. Robert Oppenheimer, et al., United States)

Washington Column by Peter Edson

WASHINGTON - (NEA) - When first publicity was given in the fall of 1945 to the men who had made the atomic bomb, interest centered on the then practically unknown young University of California physicist, Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer.

He had headed the Los Alamos, N.M. laboratory where the first three atomic bombs had been put together to win the war.

No one was allowed to see him there. He had to talk to visitors through the gate. But he was allowed to go down to Sandia, N.M., when the U.S. press was first taken to the proving ground to see the crater made by the first test bomb.

When this reporter asked Dr. Oppenheimer what he wanted to do next, he said he wanted "to go some place and run a lunchroom." After three years of the most intense mental strain, he was terribly tired. He wanted to get as far away from atomic bombs and killing as he possibly could.

If Dr. Oppenheimer had done just that, he would probably not be in the predicament...

1945 - July 21 – WWII: President Harry S. Truman approves the order for atomic bombs to be used against Japan

President Harry S. Truman's decision to use atomic bombs against Japan came after years of devastating warfare in the Pacific Theater of World War II. By mid-1945, the Allies had been engaged in intense combat against Japan, and the Japanese government showed no signs of surrendering. The use of atomic bombs was seen as a way to quickly end the war and avoid the need for a costly invasion of the Japanese home islands.

On July 16, 1945, the United States successfully tested the first atomic bomb in New Mexico as part of the Manhattan Project. This test, known as the Trinity test, demonstrated the immense destructive power of atomic weapons. With this new weapon in hand, Truman and his advisors faced a difficult decision about how to proceed in the war against Japan.

After careful deliberation, Truman decided to use the atomic bomb against Japan. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" on the city of Hiroshima. The bomb instantly killed...

1945 - August 6 – WWII: Atomic bombing of Hiroshima: A United States B-29 Superfortress, the Enola Gay, drops an atomic bomb, codenamed "Little Boy", on Hiroshima, Japan, at 8:15 a.m. (local time).

Blasting of Hiroshima
Atomic Bomb Kills 150,000
...All Living Things Seared To Death, Tokyo Says

OKINAWA, Aug. 8 - (NS) - At least 150,000 Japanese were estimated today to have been killed Monday in the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

This estimate was made by Lt. Col. Bob Herring, Breckenridge, Tex., and scores of veteran airmen after viewing new reconnaissance photographs taken of the devastated city by Okinawa-based planes.

The latest reconnaissance photographs failed to show any buildings or walls standing anywhere in Hiroshima.

The southern Honshu city was levelled flat and looked like a million comets dug up and disintegrated everything.

The scene of desolation created a great furore among troops who now believe the end of the war is in sight.

They can't imagine that even the Japanese will be willing to see their entire nation wiped out by atomic bombs.

The only question in the minds of soldiers on Okinawa is:

"How many atomic bombs...

1945 - August 9 - Atomic bombing of Nagasaki: A United States B-29 Bomber, Bockscar, drops an atomic bomb, codenamed "Fat Man", on Nagasaki, Japan, at 11:02 a.m. (local time).

Another Atomic Bomb Dropped on Enemy City
Important Kyushu City of Nagasaki Struck With 'Good Results'; Other B29s Leave Four Major Targets Afire

GUAM, Aug. 9 (AP) - The world's most destructive force - the atomic bomb - was used for the second time against Japan Thursday, striking the important Kyushu island city of Nagasaki with observed "good results." More than one bomb may have been dropped in this second attack and it might have been of a different size than the first one which destroyed 60 per cent of Hiroshima. The carefully worded communique said only that the second use of the atomic bomb had occurred, leaving to speculation all other details...

The Post-Register

Idaho Falls, Idaho

August 9, 1945

1945 - September 2 - World War II ends

WORLD IS AT PEACE
Japan Surrenders Formally, Unconditionally to Allies in Short Ritual; V-J Day Today

Truman Lauds Day of Victory Over Tyranny
Bright New Era of Hope of International Good Will Seen

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1. - (AP) - President Truman tonight proclaimed Sunday, Sept. 2, as V-J Day - for Japan of "retribution," for America and the world a day of the "victory of liberty over tyranny."

Mr. Truman spoke over a globe-girdling radio hook up that linked the White House with Tokyo where aboard the great battleship Missouri just off the enemy capital, Japan abjectly signed the terms of her...

1945 - December 4 - U.S. joins United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded on October 24, 1945, after World War II, by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. The U.S. played a significant role in the formation of the UN, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt being a key proponent. The decision to join the UN on December 4, 1945, marked America's commitment to post-war international cooperation and diplomacy.

December 4, 1945

1946 - January 10 - Project Diana bounces radar waves off the Moon, measuring the exact distance between the Earth and the Moon, and proves that communication is possible between Earth and outer space, effectively opening the space age

Project Diana was a U.S. Army-led radar experiment conducted at the Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, Signal Laboratory in 1946. The project was named after the Roman goddess of the Moon. The experiment aimed to prove that radio signals could be sent and received at long distances, including into outer space.

The team used a highly modified SCR-271 radar set, which was originally designed for early warning against enemy aircraft during World War II. They transmitted a radar signal towards the Moon and successfully received the reflected signal, demonstrating that radio waves could travel to the Moon and back.

This achievement not only confirmed the distance between the Earth and the Moon but also laid the foundation for future space communications. Project Diana paved the way for the development of space exploration technologies, including communication satellites and deep space probes, which are fundamental to modern space exploration and...

1947 - May 2 – The movie Miracle on 34th Street, a Christmastime classic, is first shown in theaters.

"Miracle on 34th Street" is a heartwarming Christmas film that has become a classic since its release in 1947. The movie tells the story of Kris Kringle, a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus and is hired to play Santa at the Macy's department store in New York City. As Kris spreads joy and goodwill, he faces skepticism and legal challenges, leading to a court case to determine his authenticity.

The film is celebrated for its charming portrayal of Santa Claus and its themes of faith, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas. It has been praised for its performances, especially Edmund Gwenn's portrayal of Kris Kringle, which won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. "Miracle on 34th Street" has been remade several times and remains a holiday favorite for many, symbolizing the magic of Christmas and the importance of believing in the...

1947 - Fay v. New York, 332 U.S. 261 (1947), the U.S. Supreme Court says women are equally qualified with men to serve on juries but are granted an exemption and may serve or not as women choose.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1947 - September 9 –A moth lodged in a relay is found to be the cause of a malfunction in the Harvard Mark II electromechanical computer, logged as "First actual case of bug being found."

The incident involving the moth in the Harvard Mark II computer is a famous early example of a computer bug. The term "bug" had been used to describe technical glitches before this incident, but this particular case helped popularize the term in the context of computer science.

The computer in question, the Harvard Mark II, was a large electromechanical computer used for calculations and other scientific tasks. During a routine operation, the computer encountered a malfunction. Upon investigation, technicians discovered that a moth had become trapped in one of the machine's relays, causing the malfunction.

The term "bug" to describe a glitch or problem in a system dates back to at least the early 20th century in engineering jargon. Thomas Edison is known to have used it in this context. However, it was after the Harvard Mark II incident that the use of "bug" to describe computer glitches became more widespread.

Grace Hopper, a computer scientist and one of the programmers of...

1947 - November 6 – The program Meet the Press makes its television debut on the NBC-TV network in the United States.

Meet the Press is a television show that is known for its interviews with politicians, government officials, and other newsmakers. It is one of the longest-running programs in television history, having started as a radio show in 1945 before transitioning to television in 1947. The show is known for its format of a panel of journalists questioning guests, which has become a standard in television news interviews. Over the years, Meet the Press has been a platform for many important political figures to discuss and debate issues of the day, making it a significant part of American political history.

November 6, 1947

1948 - January 5 – Warner Brothers shows the first color newsreel (Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl).

Warner Brothers' introduction of the first color newsreel in 1948 marked a significant milestone in the history of broadcasting and cinema. The use of color brought a new level of vibrancy and realism to news presentations, enhancing the viewer's experience and setting a new standard for visual storytelling.

The Tournament of Roses Parade, held annually in Pasadena, California, is known for its elaborate floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. The addition of color to the newsreel would have brought these vivid displays to life in a way that black-and-white footage simply couldn't capture.

Likewise, the Rose Bowl, also held in Pasadena, is one of the oldest and most prestigious college football bowl games in the United States. The color newsreel would have showcased the excitement and spectacle of this iconic event, further enhancing its appeal to audiences.

Overall, Warner Brothers' decision to broadcast the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl in color...

1948 - June 18 - Columbia Records introduced its long playing (LP) 33.333 rpm phonograph format.

Columbia Records' introduction of the long-playing (LP) record in 1948 marked a significant milestone in the history of recorded music. Before the LP, most records were made of shellac and could only hold a few minutes of music per side. The new LP format, however, used a different material, vinyl, which allowed for longer playing times.

The LP's ability to hold up to 20 minutes of music per side revolutionized the way people listened to music. It made it possible to enjoy entire symphonies, concertos, or albums without having to flip the record every few minutes, as was necessary with the older 78 rpm records.

The LP's introduction also led to the standardization of playback speed at 33 1/ 3 rpm, which further improved sound quality and consistency. This standardization ensured that records from different manufacturers would play correctly on any turntable.

Overall, the LP format revolutionized the music industry, paving the way for the development of the modern album and...

1950 - January 31 - President Harry S. Truman orders the development of the hydrogen bomb, in response to the detonation of the Soviet Union's first atomic bomb in 1949

President Harry S. Truman's decision to pursue the development of the hydrogen bomb, also known as the H-bomb, was a significant moment in the Cold War. The Soviet Union's successful testing of an atomic bomb in 1949 had heightened fears in the United States about the Soviet threat. The hydrogen bomb was seen as a more powerful and destructive weapon than the atomic bomb, which had been used against Japan to end World War II.

The development of the hydrogen bomb marked a new phase in the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both countries began to stockpile nuclear weapons, leading to a period of intense military build-up and strategic competition. The hydrogen bomb was seen as a way to deter potential aggression from the Soviet Union and maintain a balance of power.

The decision to pursue the hydrogen bomb was controversial, both domestically and internationally. Critics argued that the development of such a powerful weapon could lead to an escalation of...

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1950 - June 25 - Korean War begins when North Korean forces invade South Korea

Armed forces from communist North Korea smash into South Korea, setting off the Korean War. The United States, acting under the auspices of the United Nations, quickly sprang to the defense of South Korea and fought a bloody and frustrating war for the next three years.

www.history.com

June 25, 1950

1950 - September 24-30 - A smoke pall from western Canada forest fires covered much of the eastern U.S.

Daylight was reduced to nighttime darkness in parts of the Northeast. The color of the sun varied from pink to purple, blue, or lavendar. Yellow to grey-tan was common.

The Weather Channel

1952 - May 3 - The first airplane lands at the geographic North Pole

A ski-modified U.S. Air Force C-47 piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph O. Fletcher of Oklahoma and Lieutenant Colonel William P. Benedict of California becomes the first aircraft to land on the North Pole. A moment later, Fletcher climbed out of the plane and walked to the exact geographic North Pole, probably the first person in history to do so.

www.history.com

May 3, 1952

1953 - January 20 - Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) becomes 34th President of the United States

At the Republican convention of 1952 in Chicago, Eisenhower won the presidential nomination on the first ballot in a close race with Sen. Robert A. Taft of Ohio. In the election, he defeated Gov. Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois.

Through two terms, Eisenhower hewed to moderate domestic policies. He sought peace through Free World strength in an era of new nationalisms, nuclear missiles, and space exploration. He fostered alliances pledging the United States to resist “Red” aggression in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The Eisenhower Doctrine of 1957 extended commitments to the Middle East.

At home, the popular president lacked Republican congressional majorities after 1954, but he was reelected in 1956 by 457 electoral votes to 73 for Stevenson.

While retaining most Fair Deal programs, he stressed “fiscal responsibility” in domestic affairs. A moderate in civil rights, he sent troops to Little Rock, Ark., to enforce court-ordered school...

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1953 - July 27 - Korean War ends

After three years of a bloody and frustrating war, the United States, the People's Republic of China, North Korea, and South Korea agree to an armistice, bringing the Korean War to an end. The armistice ended America's first experiment with the Cold War concept of "limited war."

www.history.com

July 27, 1953

1958 - July 29 - NASA formed

On July 29, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was formed. It was created as a response to the Soviet Union's successful launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957. NASA was established to coordinate space exploration and research activities for peaceful purposes, with a focus on advancing scientific knowledge and technology related to space travel.

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1960 - Civil Rights Act of 1960

The Civil Rights Act of 1960 (enacted May 6, 1960) was a United States federal law that established federal inspection of local voter registration polls and introduced penalties for anyone who obstructed someone's attempt to register to vote. It was designed to deal with discriminatory laws and practices in the segregated South, by which blacks had been effectively disfranchised since the late 19th and start of the 20th century.

encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com

1960 - June 23 - The FDA announces its approval of “The Pill,” the first birth-control drug.

The approval of the birth control pill, known as "The Pill," in 1960 marked a significant milestone in the history of reproductive rights and women's health. The pill, which contains synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation, was revolutionary as it provided women with a reliable and convenient method of contraception. Before its approval, options for birth control were limited and often less effective.

The availability of the pill had far-reaching implications. It empowered women to take control of their reproductive health, allowing them to plan their families and pursue educational and career goals. The pill played a crucial role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to changing social attitudes towards sexuality and women's rights.

However, the pill also sparked controversy. Some religious groups and conservative factions opposed its widespread use, citing moral and ethical concerns. Additionally, early formulations of the pill had higher hormone...

1961 - Vietnam War officially begins with 900 military advisors landing in Saigon

The arrival of the 900 military advisors in Saigon in 1961 marked the beginning of a major escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. This initial deployment was part of a broader strategy to assist the South Vietnamese government in its fight against the communist National Liberation Front (NLF) and its allies in North Vietnam.

The advisors were tasked with training and advising the South Vietnamese military, as well as providing logistical and intelligence support. However, their numbers would grow rapidly over the coming years, eventually reaching hundreds of thousands of troops as the conflict escalated into a full-scale war.

The Vietnam War would become one of the most controversial and divisive conflicts in American history, lasting until 1975 and resulting in the deaths of millions of Vietnamese civilians and soldiers, as well as tens of thousands of American...

1961 - January 20 - John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) becomes 35th President of the United States

On November 22, 1963, when he was hardly past his first thousand days in office, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was killed by an assassin's bullets as his motorcade wound through Dallas, Texas. Kennedy was the youngest man elected President; he was the youngest to die...

In 1956 Kennedy almost gained the Democratic nomination for Vice President, and four years later was a first-ballot nominee for President. Millions watched his television debates with the Republican candidate, Richard M. Nixon. Winning by a narrow margin in the popular vote, Kennedy became the first Roman Catholic President.

His Inaugural Address offered the memorable injunction: "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."...

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1961 - In Hoyt v. Florida, 368 U.S. 57 (1961): The U.S. Supreme Court upholds rules adopted by the state of Florida that made it far less likely for women than men to be called for jury service

on the grounds that a “woman is still regarded as the center of home and family life.”

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1962 - Cuban Missile Crisis

In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred, which was a tense confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union. It began when American spy planes discovered Soviet missile bases being constructed in Cuba, capable of launching nuclear weapons towards the United States. This discovery led to a tense standoff between the two superpowers, with the world on the brink of nuclear war. After intense negotiations, the crisis was resolved when the Soviet Union agreed to remove its missiles from Cuba in exchange for the U.S. promising not to invade Cuba and secretly agreeing to remove missiles from Turkey. The crisis is considered one of the closest moments the world has come to nuclear war during the Cold War.

1963 - The US passes the first legislation requiring equal pay for equal work, but it would need to be expanded in 1972 to salespeople, executives, administrators, etc.

The Equal Pay Act promises equitable wages for the same work, regardless of the race, color, religion, national origin or sex of the worker.

theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history

1963 - Novmember 22 - Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) becomes 36th President of the United States following the assassination of John F. Kennedy

At the height of his power as Senate leader, Johnson sought the Democratic nomination for president in 1960. When he lost to John F. Kennedy, he surprised even some of his closest associates by accepting second place on the ticket.

Johnson was riding in another car in the motorcade when Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. He took the oath of office in the presidential jet on the Dallas airfield.

With Johnson's insistent backing, Congress finally adopted a far-reaching civil-rights bill, a voting-rights bill, a Medicare program for the aged, and measures to improve education and conservation. Congress also began what Johnson described as “an all-out war” on poverty.

Amassing a record-breaking majority of nearly 16 million votes, Johnson was elected president in his own right in 1964, defeating Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona.

The double tragedy of a war in Southeast Asia and urban riots at home marked Johnson's last two years in office. Faced with disunity...

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1964 - January 23 - The 24th Amendment Ended the Poll Tax

"Imagine that you are finally old enough to vote in your first election. But, do you have enough money? Money, to vote? Not long ago, citizens in some states had to pay a fee to vote in a national election. This fee was called a poll tax. On January 23, 1964, the United States ratified the 24th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting any poll tax in elections for federal officials.

Many Southern states adopted a poll tax in the late 1800s. This meant that even though the 15th Amendment gave former slaves the right to vote, many poor people, both blacks and whites, did not have enough money to vote.
"Do you know I've never voted in my life, never been able to exercise my right as a citizen because of the poll tax?"
"Mr. Trout" to Mr. Pike, interviewer, Atlanta, Georgia. American Life Histories, 1936 - 1940.

More than 20 years after "Mr. Trout" spoke those words, the poll tax was abolished. At the ceremony in 1964 formalizing the 24th Amendment, President Lyndon Johnson...

1964 - Civil Rights Act of 1964

This act, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on July 2, 1964, prohibited discrimination in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities, and made employment discrimination illegal. This document was the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act passes including a prohibition against employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex.

www.ourdocuments.gov

1965 - Vietnam War - First U.S. ground combat forces arrive in South Vietnam

The arrival of U.S. ground combat forces in South Vietnam in 1965 marked a significant escalation of American involvement in the conflict. Prior to this, the U.S. had been providing military advisors and assistance to the South Vietnamese government in its fight against the communist insurgency and the North Vietnamese forces.

The decision to send combat troops was influenced by the deteriorating situation in South Vietnam, where the Viet Cong, supported by North Vietnam, were gaining ground. The U.S. believed that direct military intervention was necessary to prevent the collapse of the South Vietnamese government and to contain the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

The first U.S. combat troops to arrive were part of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which landed in Da Nang on March 8, 1965. This deployment marked the beginning of a major escalation of U.S. involvement in the conflict, which would eventually see hundreds of thousands of American troops deployed to...

1965 - June 7 - In Griswold v Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, the Supreme Court overturns one of the last state laws prohibiting the prescription or use of contraceptives by married couples.

In 1965, a significant moment in American legal history occurred with the Supreme Court ruling in Griswold v. Connecticut. This case tackled a controversial issue of reproductive rights and privacy. Prior to this decision, Connecticut had a law prohibiting the use of contraceptives, even for married couples. The case centered around a Planned Parenthood clinic director, Estelle Griswold, and Dr. C. Lee Buxton, who were charged and convicted for providing contraceptives to married individuals.

The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, struck down the Connecticut law as unconstitutional. They reasoned that the law violated the right to privacy implicit in the Constitution, despite the absence of explicit language regarding such a right. This ruling established a crucial precedent that laid the groundwork for later cases involving reproductive rights and privacy, including Roe v. Wade in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide.

Griswold v. Connecticut marked a pivotal moment in...

1968 - April 11 - Civil Rights Act of 1968

Also known as the Fair Housing Act of 1968
Congress passed the act in an effort to impose a comprehensive solution to the problem of unlawful discrimination in housing based on race, color, sex, national origin, or religion. The Fair Housing Act has become a central feature of modern Civil Rights enforcement, enabling persons in the protected classes to rent or own residential property in areas that were previously segregated.

legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com

1968 - The ATM is invented (Don Wetzel, United States)

In 1968, the automated teller machine, or ATM, was invented in the United States by Donald Wetzel, a department head at Docutel, a subsidiary of Recognition Equipment Inc. based in Dallas, Texas. Originally, Docutel had been developing optical scanning technology for various applications, including automated baggage handling and gas pumps, but Wetzel saw an opportunity to apply automation to banking, envisioning a machine that could dispense cash efficiently and reliably outside of normal banking hours.

The first practical installation of an ATM came on September 2, 1969, when Chemical Bank placed the machine at its Rockville Centre, New York branch. Early ATMs were simple by modern standards: they dispensed a fixed amount of cash when a user inserted a specially coded card, relying on mechanical and electrical systems to verify and release the funds. Despite the simplicity, these machines represented a revolutionary change in banking, reducing reliance on tellers for routine...

1969 - January 20 - Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) becomes 37th President of the United States

Richard Nixon's presidency, which lasted from 1969 to 1974, was marked by significant achievements and controversies. Nixon, a Republican, implemented several key domestic policies, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Air Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). His administration also saw the introduction of revenue sharing and affirmative action policies.

In foreign affairs, Nixon pursued a policy of détente with the Soviet Union, leading to the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and improved relations with China, highlighted by his historic visit to Beijing in 1972. He also worked to end the Vietnam War, eventually leading to the Paris Peace Accords in 1973.

However, Nixon's presidency is most infamous for the Watergate scandal, a major political scandal following the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up efforts by Nixon and his administration. The...

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1969 - In Bowe v. Colgate-Palmolive Company, 416 F. 2d 711 (7th Cir.1969), the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals rules that women meeting the physical requirements can work in many jobs that had been for men only.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

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1969 - July 20 - Apollo 11 - Man lands on the moon

AMERICAN FLAG WAVING ON THE MOON
Taken There By Spacemen

SPACE CENTER, Houston (AP) - Two Americans, who strode the moon's surface for the first time and raised their nations' banner above it, held the world in suspense again today with a perilous blastoff for the long journey home.

A successful liftoff and rendezvous with their orbiting ship would climax and epic expedition in which Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. fulfilled a centuries-old dream of men everywhere.

There is only one liftoff engine on the landing craft they call Eagle. It must work, or the astronauts would be stranded with only 15 hours of oxygen left and no hope of rescue.

They are confident it will perform flawlessly as have millions of other parts of Apollo 11 hardware during the incredible journey that carried man's quest for the unknown to his first landing on another celestial body.

The launching from the moon was scheduled for 2:55 p.m. EDT.

A successful liftoff would shoot them...

1970 - January 13 - Schultz v Wheaton Glass: a federal appeals court decision makes it illegal for a company to change a job’s title so that they could pay women who held the position less than male workers.

theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history

1971 - January 25 - Phillips v. Martin Marietta Corporation, 400 U.S. 542: The U.S. Supreme Court outlaws the practice of private employers refusing to hire women with pre-school children.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1971 - November 22 - Reed v. Reed, 404 U.S. 71: The U.S. Supreme Court holds unconstitutional a state law (Idaho) establishing automatic preference for males as administrators of wills.

This is the first time the court strikes down a law treating men and women differently. The Court finally declares women as “persons,” but uses a “reasonableness” test rather than making sex a “suspect classification,” analogous to race, under the Fourteenth Amendment.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1972 - March 22 - In Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438, the Supreme Court rules that the right to privacy encompasses an unmarried person’s right to use contraceptives.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1972 - June 23 - Title IX (Public Law 92-318) of the Education Amendments prohibits sex discrimination in all aspects of education programs that receive federal support.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1973 - January 22 - Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 and Doe v. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179: The U.S. Supreme Court declares that the Constitution protects women’s right to terminate an early pregnancy, thus making abortion legal in the U.S.

On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court issued two landmark decisions—Roe v. Wade (410 U.S. 113) and Doe v. Bolton (410 U.S. 179)—that reshaped American law and society by establishing that the Constitution protects a woman’s right to terminate an early pregnancy. In a 7–2 decision in Roe v. Wade, the Court ruled in favor of “Jane Roe,” the pseudonym for Norma McCorvey, striking down Texas’s restrictive abortion laws as unconstitutional. The decision held that the right to privacy, grounded in the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, extended to a woman’s decision to have an abortion, provided it occurred within certain limits of gestation.

Simultaneously, Doe v. Bolton expanded access to abortion by striking down additional state restrictions in Georgia, including requirements for spousal consent, hospital approval, and restrictive definitions of health exceptions. Together, these decisions created a legal framework that allowed women to exercise...

1973 - March 29 – The last United States soldier leaves Vietnam.

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam in 1973 was part of the Paris Peace Accords, which were signed in January of that year. These accords aimed to establish peace in Vietnam and end the conflict that had been ongoing since the mid-1950s. As per the agreement, the United States agreed to withdraw its military forces, and North Vietnam agreed to release American prisoners of war.

The last combat troops departed from Vietnam on March 29, 1973, though some military personnel remained in the country to assist with the withdrawal process and to support the South Vietnamese military. This marked the end of direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, which had been a deeply divisive and controversial conflict in American history.

Despite the withdrawal of American troops, fighting continued between North and South Vietnam. In 1975, North Vietnam launched a major military offensive against the South, leading to the fall of Saigon (the capital of South Vietnam) and the unification...

1973 - June 21 - Pittsburgh Press v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations, 413 U.S. 376 (1973): The U.S. Supreme Court bans sex-segregated “help wanted” advertising as a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1974 - January 21 - Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, 414 U.S. 632 (1974), determines it is illegal to force pregnant women to take maternity leave on the assumption they are incapable of working in their physical condition.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1974 - August 9 - Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) becomes 38th President of the United States after the resignation of Richard M. Nixon

Gerald Ford served as the 38th President of the United States from 1974 to 1977. He assumed office following the resignation of Richard Nixon amid the Watergate scandal, making him the first person to become president without being elected as either president or vice president. Ford’s presidency is notable for his controversial decision to pardon Nixon, which he believed was necessary for the nation to move forward. Domestically, he faced significant economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, leading to his "Whip Inflation Now" (WIN) campaign. In foreign policy, Ford oversaw the final stages of the Vietnam War, including the evacuation of American personnel and some South Vietnamese from Saigon. His presidency was also marked by efforts to maintain détente with the Soviet Union. Despite his attempts to stabilize the country, Ford lost the 1976 presidential election to Jimmy Carter.

August 9, 1974

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1947 - October 8 - Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act was signed into law by President Gerald Ford on October 28, 1974. The ECOA prohibits creditors from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age. ballotpedia.org

Equal Credit Opportunity Act passes in the US. Until then, banks required single, widowed or divorced women to bring a man along to cosign any credit application, regardless of their income. They would also discount the value of those wages when considering how much credit to grant, by as much as 50%.

theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history

1975 - January 21 - Taylor v. Louisiana, 419 U.S. 522 (1975), denies states the right to exclude women from juries.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

Metric Conversion Act of 1975 declared the metric system the preferred method for measurements in the United States.

On December 23, 1975, U.S. President Gerald Ford signed the Metric Conversion Act into law, marking a formal effort to encourage the adoption of the metric system in the United States. The Act declared the metric system “the preferred system of weights and measures for United States trade and commerce,” signaling a push toward alignment with international standards, where the metric system was already widely used in science, industry, and global commerce.

Importantly, the law did not mandate an immediate or universal switch from the customary units long used in American daily life. Instead, it encouraged voluntary conversion, leaving inches, feet, pounds, and gallons legally permissible for general use. The Act also established the United States Metric Board to guide and coordinate the transition in government, industry, and education, providing technical advice and resources for metric adoption.

While the Metric Conversion Act represented a symbolic step toward modernization...

1976 - December 20 - Craig v. Boren, 429 U.S. 190: The U.S. Supreme Court declares unconstitutional a state law permitting 18 to 20-year-old females to drink beer while denying the rights to men of the same age.

The Court establishes new set of standards for reviewing laws that treat men and women differently—an “intermediate” test stricter than the “reasonableness” test for constitutionality in sex discrimination cases.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1977 - January 20 - Jimmy Carter (1924 - ) becomes 39th President of the United States

Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. A Democrat and former governor of Georgia, Carter's presidency was marked by efforts to address the energy crisis, promote human rights, and reform government. He achieved notable successes in foreign policy, particularly the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Domestically, however, his administration struggled with high inflation, unemployment, and the aftermath of the 1979 energy crisis. The Iran hostage crisis, where 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days, significantly affected his presidency. Despite his loss to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election, Carter's post-presidency has been highly distinguished by his humanitarian work and efforts in global conflict resolution, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

January 20, 1977

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1977 - Personal Computer introduced

The TRS-80 Micro Computer System (TRS-80, later renamed the Model I to distinguish it from successors) is a desktop microcomputer launched in 1977 and sold by Tandy Corporation through their RadioShack stores. The name is an abbreviation of Tandy/ RadioShack, Z80 microprocessor. (wikipedia)

Radio Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation, has announced its line of new products for 1981, including three new additions to its family of TRS-80 computers.

The TRS-80 Model III desktop computer, company officials say, is designed to meet the needs of many users for more data storage, greater versatility and higher computing speed.

The TRS-80 Pocket Computer weighs only 6 ounces and is less than 7 inches long. Yet, it is said to be able to do almost any of the smaller jobs the popular TRS-80 Model I computer can perform.

The new TRS-80 Color Computer provides color graphics and features instant-load Program Pak software that lets the user instantly program the computer for a variety...

1978 - The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is passed in the US.

Until the law was put into effect, women could still legally be dismissed from their jobs for becoming pregnant.

theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history

1979 - Iran hostage crisis begins

It began November 4, 1979 and ended January 20, 1981.

Here are some details:

In 1979, Iran underwent a revolution that overthrew the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was seen by many Iranians as a puppet of the United States. The revolution was led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who established an Islamic republic in Iran.

Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated when the Shah was admitted to the United States for medical treatment. In response, Iranian revolutionaries stormed the US Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, taking 52 Americans hostage. The hostages, mostly embassy staff and diplomats, were held captive for 444 days.

The crisis was a major international incident that strained relations between Iran and the United States. The US government imposed economic sanctions on Iran and froze Iranian assets in the United States. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, including a failed rescue mission in April 1980, were unsuccessful.

The crisis had ...

1981 - The U.S. Supreme Court rules that excluding women from the draft is constitutional.

The case that led to this decision was Rostker v. Goldberg. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the male-only draft registration, stating that it was not a violation of the Fifth Amendment's equal protection clause. The Court's decision was based on the belief that the purpose of the draft was to provide combat troops, and since women were excluded from combat roles at that time, it was permissible to exclude them from the draft. However, this decision sparked debates about gender equality and the role of women in the military, leading to further discussions and changes in policies regarding women's participation in the armed forces.

1981 - January 20 - Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) beomes 40th President of the United States

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, served from 1981 to 1989. His presidency was marked by significant changes in American politics and policy, often described under the umbrella term "Reaganomics." This economic strategy focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending to stimulate economic growth. Reagan also increased defense spending, which contributed to the end of the Cold War by exerting pressure on the Soviet Union. His administration saw major events such as the Strategic Defense Initiative, tax reform, and the Iran-Contra affair. Domestically, Reagan's policies led to a period of economic growth but also increased national debt and income inequality. His presidency left a lasting impact on the conservative movement and American politics.

January 20, 1981

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1981 - March 23 - Kirchberg v Feenstra - A husband is told he doesn’t have the right to unilaterally take out a second mortgage on property held jointly with his wife.

The Kirchberg v Feenstra case was a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court in 1981. The case centered around the issue of whether a husband could unilaterally take out a second mortgage on property that was held jointly with his wife. The Supreme Court ruled that under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), a husband could not take such an action without the consent of his wife.

The ECOA, passed in 1974, prohibits creditors from discriminating against applicants on the basis of sex or marital status. The Court's decision in Kirchberg v Feenstra was significant because it affirmed the principle that both spouses have equal rights in property and financial matters, and that one spouse cannot take actions that significantly affect joint property without the other's consent. This case helped to strengthen the legal protections for married women and promote greater gender equality in financial...

1981 - March 30 - Attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley

The attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan occurred on March 30, 1981, just 69 days into his presidency. John Hinckley Jr. shot Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in an effort to impress actress Jodie Foster. Reagan was hit by a bullet that ricocheted off the presidential limousine and lodged in his lung, narrowly missing his heart. Despite the serious injury, Reagan was able to walk into the hospital and made a full recovery. Three others were injured in the attack: Press Secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy, and police officer Thomas Delahanty. The incident led to significant changes in Secret Service procedures and sparked national debate on gun control and mental health.

1981 - June 5 - First reported case of AIDS

The first reported case of AIDS in 1981 marked the beginning of a global health crisis. The case was identified in the United States, where a cluster of previously healthy gay men in Los Angeles were diagnosed with a rare lung infection called Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Shortly after, similar cases were reported in New York City and San Francisco, indicating the emergence of a new, deadly disease.

At that time, the medical community was unaware of the cause or the extent of the disease. Initially, it was referred to as "gay-related immune deficiency" (GRID) because of its prevalence among gay men. However, as cases emerged among people who did not fit this profile, it became evident that the disease was not limited to any specific group.

This early stage of the AIDS epidemic was characterized by fear, confusion, and stigma. The lack of understanding about the disease led to misconceptions and discrimination against those affected. It wasn't until 1983 that scientists...

1981 - August 19 - President Ronald Reagan nominates Sandra Day O’Connor to be the first woman on the Supreme Court.

Sandra Day O'Connor's nomination to the Supreme Court was a groundbreaking moment in American history. Born in El Paso, Texas, in 1930, O'Connor grew up on a ranch in Arizona. She excelled academically, graduating near the top of her class at Stanford Law School in 1952.

Despite facing gender discrimination early in her career, O'Connor persevered, eventually becoming a respected lawyer and judge in Arizona. In 1981, President Reagan, fulfilling a campaign promise to nominate a woman to the Supreme Court, selected O'Connor for the position.

O'Connor's nomination was met with bipartisan support, and she was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 99-0. She took her seat on the Supreme Court on September 25, 1981, and quickly became known for her pragmatic approach to jurisprudence.

During her tenure on the Court, O'Connor often served as the swing vote in closely divided cases, earning her a reputation as a moderate. She retired from the Supreme Court in 2006, after serving for ...

1981 - August 26 - Voyager 2 reaches Saturn

Voyager 2's encounter with Saturn was a significant event in space exploration. The spacecraft, launched by NASA in 1977, had already conducted a successful flyby of Jupiter in 1979 before reaching Saturn.

During its Saturn encounter, Voyager 2 captured stunning images of the planet, its iconic rings, and its moons. One of the most notable discoveries was the detailed view of Saturn's complex ring system, revealing intricate patterns and structures within the rings.

Voyager 2 also provided valuable data about Saturn's atmosphere, magnetic field, and moons. The spacecraft's observations helped scientists better understand the dynamics of Saturn's atmosphere and its unique features, such as the hexagonal-shaped polar vortex at its north pole.

Overall, Voyager 2's mission to Saturn expanded our knowledge of the outer solar system and provided a foundation for future missions to explore the gas giants and their...

1983 - The laptop computer is invented (Radio Shack Corp., United States)

In 1983, the TRS-80 Model 100, often recognized as the first widely accessible laptop computer, was introduced in the United States by Radio Shack Corporation. This notebook-style computer, roughly the size and shape of a large notepad or book, featured a built-in keyboard and liquid crystal display (LCD) and was powered by batteries, making it portable in a way that few computers had been before.

The device was originally manufactured by Kyocera in Japan under the name Kyotronic 85. While sales in Japan were modest, the rights to the machine were acquired by Tandy Corporation, which marketed it through Radio Shack stores in the United States and Canada, as well as through affiliated dealers internationally. Its portability, simplicity, and relative affordability quickly made it a hit, particularly among journalists, writers, and business professionals who needed to work on the go. Over time, more than six million units were sold worldwide, cementing its status as a pioneering...

1986 - Iran-Contra scandal breaks

The Iran-Contra scandal was a major political scandal in the United States during the second term of the Reagan administration. It involved two covert operations that were run out of the White House.

The first part of the scandal involved the sale of weapons to Iran, which was under an arms embargo at the time. The Reagan administration hoped that by selling weapons to Iran, they could secure the release of several American hostages who were being held in Lebanon by Hezbollah, a militant group with ties to Iran.

The second part of the scandal involved the diversion of proceeds from the arms sales to Iran to fund the Contras, a rebel group fighting the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The Contras were backed by the United States, but Congress had passed a law, the Boland Amendment, which prohibited the US government from providing military aid to the Contras.

When news of the Iran-Contra scandal broke in November 1986, it caused a major political crisis for the Reagan...

1986 - January 28 - Space Shuttle Challenger accident

The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when the shuttle broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, leading to the deaths of all seven crew members aboard, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe. The disaster was caused by the failure of an O-ring seal in one of the solid rocket boosters, which allowed hot gases to escape and ultimately led to the destruction of the shuttle.

1989 - January 20 - George H. W. Bush (1924 - ) becomes 41st President of the United States

George H. W. Bush served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. His presidency was marked by significant foreign policy achievements, including the end of the Cold War, the successful Gulf War against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, and the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Domestically, Bush struggled with economic issues, including a recession and breaking his "no new taxes" pledge, which hurt his popularity. Despite his foreign policy successes, these domestic challenges contributed to his loss to Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election.

January 20, 1989

Read more about George Herbert Walker BUSH photo of George Herbert Walker BUSH

1989 - December 3 - Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and US President George H. W. Bush, declare the Cold War over

The end of the Cold War, marked by the declaration on December 3, 1989, by Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and US President George H. W. Bush, was a significant moment in history. It symbolized the conclusion of decades of ideological, political, and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.

This declaration came at a time of immense change in Eastern Europe. Throughout 1989, a series of peaceful revolutions swept through the Eastern Bloc, leading to the fall of communist governments in countries such as Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Romania. These events, combined with Gorbachev's reform policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), set the stage for the end of the Cold War.

The meeting between Gorbachev and Bush took place during the Malta Summit, where the two leaders discussed the future of US-Soviet relations in a post-Cold War world. Their declaration signified a shift towards a new era of cooperation and...

1991 - Gulf War

The Gulf War, also known as the Persian Gulf War, was a major conflict triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. The invasion was condemned by the international community, leading to a coalition of forces led by the United States to intervene.

The United Nations Security Council passed a series of resolutions demanding Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait. When Iraq failed to comply, a military operation was launched to liberate Kuwait. This operation, known as Operation Desert Storm, began on January 17, 1991, with a massive air campaign followed by a ground assault.

The coalition forces, which included troops from 35 nations, quickly overwhelmed Iraqi forces. The conflict was marked by extensive aerial bombardment, including the use of precision-guided munitions, which was a relatively new development in warfare at the time.

The ground campaign lasted just 100 hours and resulted in a decisive victory for the coalition forces. Kuwait was liberated, and Iraqi forces...

1993 - January 20 - William J. Clinton (1946 - ) becomes 42nd President of the United States

William Jefferson Clinton, commonly known as Bill Clinton, served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. A member of the Democratic Party, he was known for his centrist policies and efforts to balance economic growth with social welfare.

Clinton's presidency is often remembered for economic prosperity, marked by significant job creation and a federal budget surplus. His administration saw the passage of notable legislation such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the implementation of welfare reform through the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.

Domestically, Clinton focused on healthcare reform, though his efforts were largely unsuccessful. He also advocated for gun control measures and environmental protections. On the international front, he worked to advance peace in the Middle East, intervened in the Balkans to address ethnic conflicts, and expanded NATO.

Clinton's presidency was also marred by...

1993 - February 5 - The Family and Medical Leave Act becomes law in the US.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 is a federal law in the United States that provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. These reasons include the birth and care of a newborn child, the placement of an adopted or foster child, caring for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, or dealing with a serious health condition that affects the employee's ability to perform their job.

Under the FMLA, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period and are entitled to have their health benefits maintained during the leave. The FMLA also requires that employers covered by the law (typically private employers with 50 or more employees, and public agencies) maintain the employee's job or provide an equivalent job upon their return from leave.

The FMLA was a significant milestone in U.S. labor law as it aimed to balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of...

Madeleine Albright becomes the first female Secretary of State, 1997

Madeleine Korbel Albright was nominated to be the first woman Secretary of State by President William Jefferson Clinton on December 5, 1996, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 22, 1997, and sworn in the next day. She served in the position for four years and ended her service on January 20, 2001.

history.state.gov

January 22, 1997

1997 - July 4 - NASA spacecraft Mars Pathfinder lands on Mars

The Mars Pathfinder mission was a significant event in space exploration history. It was NASA's first successful landing on Mars since the Viking missions in the 1970s. The spacecraft was designed to demonstrate a new way of delivering a rover to the surface of Mars using a combination of a heat shield, parachute, and airbags for a cushioned landing.

The landing site for Mars Pathfinder was a region called Ares Vallis, chosen for its relatively flat terrain and scientific interest. After landing, the spacecraft deployed a small rover called Sojourner, which became the first rover to operate on the surface of Mars. Sojourner was equipped with cameras and instruments to study the Martian environment and geology up close.

The mission was celebrated for its successful landing and the valuable scientific data returned by the rover. It paved the way for future Mars missions, including the Mars rovers Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity, as well as providing valuable insights into the...

2001 - January 20 - George W. Bush (1946 - ) becomes 43rd President of the United States

George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. His presidency was marked by significant events and policies, both domestically and internationally.

Domestically, Bush implemented tax cuts and aimed to reform education through the No Child Left Behind Act. His tenure also saw significant federal response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which drew considerable criticism for its handling.

Internationally, Bush's presidency was heavily defined by the events of September 11, 2001. The terrorist attacks led to the launch of the War on Terror, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. These conflicts were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and removing regimes believed to harbor terrorists, though they also generated significant controversy and debate over their justification and execution.

Bush's administration also faced economic challenges, particularly toward the end of his second term with the onset of the financial crisis in...

2001 - September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, often referred to as 9/ 11, were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks by the extremist group al-Qaeda against the United States. The attacks resulted in the destruction of the World Trade Center's twin towers in New York City, significant damage to the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and the loss of thousands of lives. The attacks had a profound impact on global politics and led to the United States' declaration of a "War on Terror," including military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

September 11, 2001

2001 - Invasion of Afghanistan Operation "Enduring Freedom"

Operation "Enduring Freedom" began on October 7, 2001, following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The invasion was a joint effort by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Afghan United Front (Northern Alliance). The primary goal was to dismantle the al-Qaeda terrorist network and remove the Taliban regime, which had been harboring and supporting al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

The initial phase of the operation involved airstrikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets, with the goal of weakening their hold on power. Special forces teams were deployed to work with local Afghan militias, including the Northern Alliance, to coordinate ground operations against Taliban forces.

The campaign quickly overthrew the Taliban government, which had ruled Afghanistan since 1996, and installed a new government led by Hamid Karzai. However, the mission shifted from a focus on defeating the Taliban to a broader effort to stabilize Afghanistan and rebuild the ...

2004 - Condoleezza Rice becomes the first black female Secretary of State.

Condoleezza Rice's appointment as Secretary of State marked a significant milestone in both American and global politics. She was already a highly respected figure, known for her expertise in foreign affairs and national security. Rice had previously served as National Security Advisor to President George W. Bush, where she played a key role in shaping US foreign policy following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

As Secretary of State, Rice faced a challenging international landscape, including ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as tensions with countries like Iran and North Korea over their nuclear programs. She worked to promote democracy and human rights around the world, while also advocating for US interests and security.

Rice's tenure was marked by her diplomatic efforts, including shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East and efforts to strengthen relationships with allies in Europe and Asia. She was known for her strong and sometimes controversial...

2007 - Nancy Pelosi becomes the first female speaker of the House.

Nancy Pelosi's election as Speaker of the House in 2007 marked a significant milestone in American political history. She became not only the first woman to hold this position but also the highest-ranking female politician in U.S. history at that time. Pelosi, a Democrat from California, had served in the House of Representatives since 1987 and had risen through the ranks to become the Minority Whip before assuming the role of Speaker. Her election was seen as a breakthrough for women in politics, symbolizing a new era of gender equality and representation in government leadership. As Speaker, Pelosi played a key role in shaping legislative agendas and policies during a critical period in American politics.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

2009 - President Barack Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration act, which allows people to sue companies for pay discrimination even if more than six months have passed.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act was a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing pay discrimination in the workplace. It was named after Lilly Ledbetter, a woman who worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and discovered, after years of employment, that she was being paid significantly less than her male counterparts.

The Act amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964, stating that the 180-day statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit regarding pay discrimination resets with each new paycheck affected by that discriminatory action. This essentially allows individuals to file a lawsuit within 180 days of receiving a paycheck that they believe is discriminatory, even if the original discriminatory decision was made long before that.

The Act was intended to help close the wage gap and provide more avenues for individuals to seek legal recourse if they believe they are being unfairly compensated based on their gender, race, age, or other protected...

2009 - Sonia Sotomayor is nominated as the 111th U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Sotomayor becomes the first Hispanic American and the third woman to serve.

Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009 was a historic moment. Born in the Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor grew up in a housing project and went on to graduate summa cum laude from Princeton University and later from Yale Law School.

Before her nomination to the Supreme Court, Sotomayor had a distinguished legal career. She served as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York and then as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Sotomayor's nomination was significant for several reasons. As the first Hispanic American to serve on the Supreme Court, she brought a unique perspective to the bench. Additionally, her nomination added to the diversity of the Court, which had previously been dominated by white males.

During her time on the Supreme Court, Sotomayor has been known for her thoughtful and principled approach to interpreting the law. She has often spoken about the importance of empathy...

2009 - January 20 - Barack Obama (1961 - ) becomes 44th President of the United States

Barack Obama's presidency, spanning from 2009 to 2017, was marked by significant legislative and social milestones. As the first African American president, he focused on healthcare reform, resulting in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that expanded health insurance coverage to millions. His administration navigated the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis with the stimulus package and auto industry bailout, contributing to economic recovery. Obama prioritized climate change, advancing environmental regulations and international agreements like the Paris Accord. His foreign policy included the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the Iran nuclear deal, and the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba. Domestically, he supported LGBTQ+ rights, leading to the legalization of same-sex marriage. His presidency faced challenges like political polarization and controversies over issues such as drone strikes and immigration policies.

January 20, 2009

2010 - The Affordable Health Care Act is signed into law. Under this law, private health insurance companies must provide birth control without co-pays or deductibles. The law requires private insurance companies to cover preventive services.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, was a significant piece of healthcare reform signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010. One of its key provisions was to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans.

Under the ACA, private health insurance companies were required to cover a range of preventive services without cost-sharing, including but not limited to, immunizations, screenings for conditions like cancer and diabetes, and counseling. This meant that individuals with private insurance could access these services without having to pay co-pays or meet deductibles.

One of the preventive services included in this mandate was coverage for FDA-approved contraceptives, which includes birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other forms of contraception. This meant that individuals with private insurance could obtain these forms of birth control at no additional cost beyond their regular premiums.

This provision...

2013 - June 26 -United States v. Windsor 570 U.S. Supreme Court decides that a key part of DOMA, the law that restricts federal recognition of same-sex marriage, is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause of the constitution.

The case of United States v. Windsor originated from the marriage of Edith Windsor and Thea Spyer, who were married in Canada in 2007. When Spyer passed away in 2009, Windsor was required to pay federal estate taxes on Spyer's estate, which she would not have had to pay if her marriage had been recognized under federal law.

Windsor challenged the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defined marriage as between one man and one woman for federal purposes. The case made its way to the Supreme Court, where, on June 26, 2013, the Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that Section 3 of DOMA was unconstitutional.

The majority opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, stated that DOMA violated the principles of equal protection under the law by treating same-sex couples who were legally married differently from opposite-sex couples. This decision marked a significant moment in the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, paving the way for...

Hillary Clinton becomes first female presidential nominee of a major party, 2016

In 2016, Hillary Clinton made history by becoming the first female presidential nominee of a major party.

Hillary Clinton's nomination marked a significant milestone in American politics. As the Democratic Party's nominee, she aimed to break the highest glass ceiling by becoming the first female President of the United States. Her campaign focused on issues such as healthcare, education, and women's rights, while also advocating for a strong, inclusive America. Despite facing a tough opponent in the general election, Clinton's nomination was a groundbreaking moment in the fight for gender equality in politics.

2017 - January 20 - Donald J Trump (1946 - ) becomes 45th President of the United States

Donald J. Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. A businessman and television personality before entering politics, Trump ran a campaign centered on promises to "Make America Great Again," focusing on issues like immigration, deregulation, and economic growth. His presidency was marked by significant tax cuts, renegotiation of trade deals, and efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Trump's administration was often characterized by its unconventional and combative style, frequent use of social media, and contentious relationships with the media and political opponents. His term saw significant judicial appointments, including three Supreme Court justices, which shifted the court's ideological balance.

Foreign policy under Trump included the withdrawal from several international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal, while pursuing a policy of direct engagement with North...

2021 - January 20 - Joseph R Biden (1942 - ) becomes 46th President of the United States

Joseph Biden became the 46th President of the United States in January 2021, succeeding Donald Trump. His presidency has been marked by efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including a massive vaccination campaign and economic relief measures. Biden has also focused on infrastructure reform, climate change initiatives, and foreign policy, aiming to rebuild alliances and address global challenges. His administration has emphasized unity and bipartisanship, seeking to bridge political divides in the country.

January 20, 2021

Here's a list of some must-visit places and activities across the country:

1. New York City, New York:

Explore Times Square and Broadway.

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Take a stroll in Central Park.

Go museum hopping, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Enjoy the view from the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building.

2. Grand Canyon, Arizona:

Hike along the Grand Canyon's rim or venture into the depths on a guided tour.

Watch a sunrise or sunset over the canyon for breathtaking views.

Raft down the Colorado River for a unique perspective.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada:

Experience the vibrant nightlife and entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip.

Try your luck at the numerous casinos and resorts.
Watch world-class shows and performances.

4. San Francisco, California:

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Explore the historic Alcatraz Island.

Ride the iconic cable cars.

Visit Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.

5. New Orleans, ...

2024 - Quirks and Quandaries: Exploring the Unique Charm of America through the Eyes of a Seasoned Traveler

Welcome, wanderers, thrill-seekers, and culture enthusiasts! Today, we're embarking on a journey through the land of the free and the home of the brave, where each state holds its own treasure trove of quirks waiting to be uncovered. As someone who has crisscrossed this vast expanse from coast to coast, let me be your guide through the delightful idiosyncrasies that make the United States a melting pot of eccentricities.

Portion Sizes that Defy Logic

First up on our list of American oddities is the phenomenon of portion sizes that could make a sumo wrestler blush. Whether you're dining at a roadside diner in Texas or a fancy restaurant in New York City, be prepared to encounter plates overflowing with food fit for a small army.

Imagine the look of sheer disbelief on the faces of our international friends as they order what they think is a modest serving of pasta, only to be presented with a mountainous heap that could feed a family for days. From towering stacks of pancakes ...

GENEALOGY IN UNITED STATES

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RESEARCH RESOURCES

Genealogy Resources and General Items of Interest for United States

1850 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1860 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1870 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1880 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1900 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1910 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1920 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1930 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918

1890 Veterans Schedule
Unofficial Guide to Ancestry.com: How to Find Your Family History on the #1 Genealogy Website
Get YOUR AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit!

Revolutionary War Era Pension & Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files
Strange and Obscure Stories of the Revolutionary War

World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II

FamilySearch.org. U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1947.
The Draft

1830 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1840 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1800 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1820 U.S. Census
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1790 U.S. Census
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

The National Archives
Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives

1840 Census of Pensioners Revolutionary or Military Services
Strange and Obscure Stories of the Revolutionary War

findagrave.com

1810 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

Social Security Death Index
Unofficial Guide to FamilySearch.org: How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website

National Slovak Society of the United States of America

Torrey's New England Marriages Prior to 1700.
(Online database. NewEnglandAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. CD-ROM. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001.

1940 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Genealogy Research
If this is your direct ancestor and you are a woman, please consider joining the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Tracing Freedom's Legacy: A Genealogy Workbook for Descendants of Liberty

1950 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

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