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January
1
Political
Emancipation Proclamation Takes Effect
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect during the Civil War.... Read more
Social
Ellis Island Immigration Station Opens
Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892, serving as the primary federal immigration station for... Read more
2
Political
Georgia Ratifies the United States Constitution
On January 2, 1788, Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The... Read more
Economic
National Maximum Speed Limit Signed
On January 2, 1974, President Richard Nixon signed the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act, creating... Read more
3
Political
Alaska Admitted as the 49th State
On January 3, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Alaska the 49th state of the... Read more
4
Political
Utah Admitted as the 45th State
On January 4, 1896, Utah became the 45th state to join the Union after decades... Read more
Political
Nancy Pelosi Elected First Woman Speaker of the House
On January 4, 2007, Representative Nancy Pelosi of California was elected Speaker of the U.S.... Read more
5
Other
Construction Begins on the Golden Gate Bridge
On January 5, 1933, crews began construction on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.... Read more
Scientific
United States Announces Development of the Space Shuttle
On January 5, 1972, President Richard Nixon announced that the United States would proceed with... Read more
6
Political
New Mexico Admitted as the 47th State
On January 6, 1912, New Mexico entered the Union as the 47th state. The territory... Read more
Political
Four Freedoms Address by Franklin Roosevelt
On January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his State of the Union address... Read more
7
Political
First United States Presidential Election Begins
On January 7, 1789, states began selecting electors for the first U.S. presidential election under... Read more
Cultural
Marian Anderson Performs at the Metropolitan Opera
On January 7, 1955, contralto Marian Anderson became the first Black singer to perform as... Read more
8
Political
Washington Delivers the First State of the Union Address
On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered the first State of the Union address... Read more
Military
Battle of New Orleans
On January 8, 1815, American forces under Major General Andrew Jackson defeated the British at... Read more
9
Political
Connecticut Ratifies the United States Constitution
On January 9, 1788, Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The... Read more
Political
Mississippi Secedes from the Union
On January 9, 1861, Mississippi passed its ordinance of secession, becoming the second state to... Read more
10
Political
Common Sense by Thomas Paine was Published
On January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine published “Common Sense” in Philadelphia. The pamphlet argued plainly... Read more
11
Political
First Territorial Legislature of Alaska Meets
On January 11, 1913, Alaska’s first territorial legislature convened in Juneau following congressional establishment of... Read more
Political
First National Prohibition Begins
On January 11, 1920, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took full effect, formally... Read more
13
Political
Robert Clifton Weaver Becomes First Black Cabinet Member
On January 13, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration installed Robert C. Weaver as the... Read more
Political
Second Impeachment of Donald Trump
On January 13, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J.... Read more
14
Political
United States Senate Ratifies Treaty of Peace with Great Britain
On January 14, 1784, the Confederation Congress received formal ratification of the Treaty of Paris... Read more
15
Social
Birth of Martin Luther King Jr
On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Over the... Read more
Other
US Airways Flight 1549 Miracle on the Hudson
On January 15, 2009, U.S. Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency water landing in the... Read more
16
Political
House Votes to Impeach President Andrew Johnson
On January 16, 1868, the U.S. House of Representatives passed articles of impeachment against President... Read more
17
Social
US Alcohol Prohibition Begins
On January 17, 1920, the Volstead Act, enforcing the 18th Amendment, went into effect, ushering... Read more
Other
Gary Gilmore Executed
On January 17, 1977, convicted murderer Gary Gilmore became the first person executed in the... Read more
18
Other
First Aircraft Landing on a Ship
On January 18, 1911, U.S. naval aviator Eugene B. Ely piloted a Curtiss biplane and... Read more
Other
Martin Luther King Jr Day
On January 18, 1993, the U.S. observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day nationwide for the... Read more
19
Political
Georgia Secedes from the Union
On January 19, 1861, Georgia’s state convention voted to secede from the United States and... Read more
Other
Howard Hughes Sets Transcontinental Flight Record
On January 19, 1937, aviator and entrepreneur Howard Hughes flew his H-1 Racer from Los... Read more
20
Political
Second Inauguration of Franklin Roosevelt
On January 20, 1937, Franklin D. Roosevelt took the oath of office for his second... Read more
Political
Ronald Reagan Inaugurated as President and Hostages Released in Iran
On January 20, 1981, Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th U.S. President. Minutes after... Read more
21
Social
First Kiwanis Club Founded
The first Kiwanis club was founded on January 21, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan, marking the... Read more
Military
US Launches First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
On January 21, 1954, the USS Nautilus was launched, becoming the world’s first operational nuclear-powered... Read more
Political
Newt Gingrich Reprimanded by US House
On January 21, 1997, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 395–28 to reprimand Speaker Newt... Read more
28
Sports
Roy Campanella Car Accident Ends Career
On January 28, 1958, former Major League Baseball star Roy Campanella was involved in a... Read more
Scientific
Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all... Read more
31
Scientific
US Launches First Satellite and Enters Space Age
On January 31, 1958, the United States launched its first satellite, Explorer 1 , from... Read more
Other
Alaska Airlines Flight 261 Crash
On January 31, 2000, an Alaska Airlines MD-83 aircraft operating Flight 261 crashed into the... Read more
February
1
Political
First US Supreme Court Convenes in New York City
On February 1, 1790, the U.S. Supreme Court convened for the first time in New... Read more
Political
Texas Secedes from the Union
On February 1, 1861, Texas declared its secession from the United States and joined the... Read more
4
Political
Provisional Confederate Congress Meets in Montgomery
On February 4, 1861, representatives from the first seven southern states convened in Montgomery, Alabama,... Read more
8
Political
Creation of the Confederate States of America
On February 8, 1861, six seceded southern states signed the Confederate States Constitution in Montgomery,... Read more
9
Political
Jefferson Davis Elected Provisional President of the Confederacy
On February 9, 1861, Jefferson Davis was chosen as the provisional President of the Confederate... Read more
10
Military
U2 Pilot Powers Exchanged for Rudolf Abel
On February 10, 1962, U.S. spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers was exchanged with Soviet... Read more
11
Scientific
Thomas Edison Invents the Phonograph
On February 11, 1878, Thomas Edison earned the patent for his phonograph, the first machine... Read more
12
Political
Abraham Lincoln Born in Kentucky
On February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Hardin County... Read more
Social
NAACP Founded in New York City
On February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was... Read more
13
Scientific
Chuck Yeager Receives the Collier Trophy
On February 13, 1948, pilot Chuck Yeager received the Collier Trophy for his achievement as... Read more
Cultural
National Public Radio Founded
On February 13, 1970, National Public Radio (NPR) was founded under the Public Broadcasting Act... Read more
14
Political
Arizona Becomes the 48th State
On February 14, 1912, Arizona was admitted to the Union as the 48th state. It... Read more
Other
The Saint Valentines Day Massacre
On February 14, 1929, seven members of Chicago’s North Side Gang were murdered in what... Read more
15
Military
USS Maine Explodes in Havana Harbor
On February 15, 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine exploded while anchored in Havana Harbor, Cuba,... Read more
Scientific
Galileo Probe Launched to Study the Moons of Jupiter
On February 15, 1989, NASA launched the Galileo probe aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis to... Read more
16
Natural Disaster
Chicago Blizzard of 1967
On February 16–17, 1967, a massive snowstorm struck Chicago, dropping over 23 inches of snow—the... Read more
17
Political
Missouri Compromise Introduced
On February 17, 1820, the U.S. Senate began debating what became known as the Missouri... Read more
18
Scientific
Pluto Discovered at Lowell Observatory
On February 18, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Using... Read more
Religious
First Church of Scientology Established in Los Angeles
On February 18, 1954, L. Ron Hubbard founded the first Church of Scientology in Los... Read more
19
Political
Executive Order 9066 Authorizes Japanese American Internment
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced... Read more
Political
Tule Lake Segregation Center Opened for Internees
On February 19, 1943, the Tule Lake Segregation Center in California was established as part... Read more
20
Scientific
John Glenn Becomes First American to Orbit Earth
On February 20, 1962, astronaut John Glenn piloted the Mercury capsule Friendship 7 , becoming... Read more
Cultural
Presidents Day Becomes a Federal Holiday
On February 20, 1971, the United States first observed Presidents’ Day under the Uniform Monday... Read more
21
Political
Washington DC Granted Presidential Vote
On February 21, 1961, the 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting residents... Read more
Social
Malcolm X Assassinated in New York City
On February 21, 1965, civil rights leader Malcolm X was assassinated while speaking at the... Read more
22
Political
George Washington Born in Virginia
On February 22, 1732, George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born... Read more
Other
US Embassy Bombed in Beirut
On February 22, 1984, a suicide bomber attacked the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut, Lebanon,... Read more
23
Military
US Marines Raise Flag on Iwo Jima
On February 23, 1945, five U.S. Marines and a Navy corpsman raised the American flag... Read more
Scientific
Polio Vaccine Test Begins
On February 23, 1954, the first mass trial of Dr. Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine began... Read more
24
Military
US Marines Capture Derna During First Barbary War
On February 24, 1805, U.S. forces and allied troops captured Derna, Libya, marking the first... Read more
Scientific
US Launches Mariner 2 Venus Probe
On February 24, 1961, NASA’s Mariner 2 became the first successful planetary probe to fly... Read more
25
Other
Samuel Colt Patent Revolver
On February 25, 1836, Samuel Colt received a U.S. patent for the revolver, a firearm... Read more
Political
Hiram Revels Sworn in as First Black US Senator
On February 25, 1870, Hiram Rhoades Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first... Read more
26
Other
Grand Canyon was Declared a National Park
On February 26, 1919, Congress established the Grand Canyon as a national park, recognizing its... Read more
Other
World Trade Center Bombing
On February 26, 1993, terrorists detonated a truck bomb beneath the North Tower of the... Read more
27
Military
US Occupies Vera Cruz During Mexican Revolution
On February 27, 1914, U.S. forces occupied the port of Vera Cruz to protect American... Read more
Political
Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution
On February 27, 1951, the Twenty-second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, limiting presidents... Read more
28
Cultural
Final Episode of MASH Airs to Record Audience
On February 28, 1983, the final episode of the television series M*A*S*H aired to an... Read more
Other
US Government Approves First COVID 19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
On February 28, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the Johnson & Johnson... Read more
29
Cultural
Gone with the Wind Wins Eight Academy Awards
On February 29, 1940, the film Gone with the Wind won eight Academy Awards, including... Read more
Scientific
Mount Saint Helens Reopens for Monitoring After 1980 Eruption
On February 29, 1984, scientists resumed research and monitoring inside the Mount St. Helens crater... Read more
March
1
Social
Establishment of Yellowstone National Park
On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law creating Yellowstone National Park.... Read more
Political
First Session of the US Supreme Court
The United States Supreme Court met for the first time on March 1, 1790, in... Read more
2
Social
Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves
On March 2, 1807, the U.S. Congress passed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves. The... Read more
Sports
Wilt Chamberlain Scores 100 Points
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors scored 100 points in a... Read more
3
Political
Creation of the US Department of the Interior
On March 3, 1849, Congress created the U.S. Department of the Interior. The department was... Read more
Cultural
The Star Spangled Banner Becomes the National Anthem
On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a law making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the... Read more
4
Political
Vermont Admitted as the 14th State
On March 4, 1791, Vermont was admitted to the Union as the 14th state. Before... Read more
Political
Passage of the Eleventh Amendment
On March 4, 1794, Congress passed the Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment... Read more
5
Political
The Boston Massacre
On March 5, 1770, British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists in Boston, killing... Read more
Social
Supreme Court Rulings Advancing School Desegregation
On March 5, 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court issued decisions that continued to support desegregation... Read more
6
Military
Fall of the Alamo
On March 6, 1836, Mexican forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna overran the... Read more
Sports
Cassius Clay Adopts the Name Muhammad Ali
On March 6, 1964, heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay announced that he had changed his... Read more
7
Scientific
Alexander Graham Bell Patents the Telephone
On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a U.S. patent for the telephone. The... Read more
Social
Bloody Sunday in Selma Alabama
On March 7, 1965, civil-rights activists attempted a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to... Read more
8
Political
Death of President William Howard Taft
On March 8, 1930, former President William Howard Taft died in Washington, D.C. Taft had... Read more
Military
US Marines Land at Da Nang Vietnam
On March 8, 1965, the first sizeable contingent of U.S. combat troops arrived at Da... Read more
9
Military
Battle of Hampton Roads (Monitor vs. Virginia)
On March 9, 1862, the Union ironclad USS Monitor fought the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia... Read more
Cultural
Barbie Doll Debuts
On March 9, 1959, the Barbie doll was introduced by Mattel at the American International... Read more
10
Religious
Birth of John McCloskey, First American Cardinal
On March 10, 1810, John McCloskey was born in Brooklyn, New York. He later became... Read more
Economic
Issuance of U.S. “Greenbacks”
On March 10, 1862, the U.S. government began issuing paper currency known as “greenbacks.” These... Read more
11
Natural Disaster
Start of the Great Blizzard of 1888
On March 11, 1888, a severe blizzard began sweeping across the northeastern United States. The... Read more
Sports
First Public Basketball Game
On March 11, 1892, the first public game of basketball was played in Springfield, Massachusetts.... Read more
12
Other
Birth of George Bergstrom, Architect of the Pentagon
On March 12, 1876, George Bergstrom was born in Neenah, Wisconsin. He became an architect... Read more
Social
Founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA
On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts in Savannah, Georgia. She... Read more
13
Social
Harvard College Named
On March 13, 1639, the college founded in 1636 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony was... Read more
Political
Death of President Benjamin Harrison
On March 13, 1901, former President Benjamin Harrison died in Indianapolis, Indiana. Harrison served as... Read more
14
Scientific
Eli Whitney Patents the Cotton Gin
On March 14, 1794, Eli Whitney received a patent for the cotton gin. The machine... Read more
Economic
Death of George Eastman
On March 14, 1932, George Eastman, founder of the Eastman Kodak Company, died in Rochester,... Read more
15
Political
Maine Admitted as the 23rd State
On March 15, 1820, Maine was admitted to the Union as the 23rd state. Its... Read more
Economic
Founding of American Express
On March 15, 1850, American Express was founded in Buffalo, New York. The company initially... Read more
16
Political
Birth of James Madison
On March 16, 1751, James Madison was born in Virginia. He later became the fourth... Read more
Military
Establishment of the US Military Academy at West Point
On March 16, 1802, Congress authorized the establishment of the United States Military Academy at... Read more
17
Cultural
First St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City
On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the British Army held what is widely... Read more
Economic
Nevada Legalizes Casino Gambling
On March 17, 1931, Nevada legalized casino gambling. The move came during the Great Depression... Read more
18
Political
Birth of Grover Cleveland
On March 18, 1837, Grover Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey. He later became... Read more
Natural Disaster
Tri-State Tornado
On March 18, 1925, the Tri-State Tornado tore through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.... Read more
19
Military
Escalation of US Air Campaign in Vietnam
In March 1966, including around March 19, the United States intensified its bombing of North... Read more
Military
Start of Operation Iraqi Freedom
On March 19, 2003, President George W. Bush announced that U.S. and coalition forces had... Read more
20
Political
Founding of the Republican Party (Ripon Meeting)
On March 20, 1854, a group of anti-slavery activists met in Ripon, Wisconsin, to discuss... Read more
Military
Shock and Awe Bombing in Iraq
On March 20, 2003, U.S. and coalition forces launched a massive bombing campaign on Baghdad... Read more
21
Social
Momentum Builds for Selma-to-Montgomery March
On March 21, 1965, following earlier violence, civil-rights marchers set out again from Selma to... Read more
Cultural
Founding of Twitter (Initial Creation)
On March 21, 2006, Jack Dorsey and his colleagues developed the first version of what... Read more
22
Political
Equal Rights Amendment Passes Congress
On March 22, 1972, the U.S. Senate passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), sending it... Read more
23
Other
Founding of the University of California
On March 23, 1868, the University of California was formally established. The initial campus was... Read more
Military
Strategic Defense Initiative (“Star Wars”) Announced
On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) in a... Read more
24
Other
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
On March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez struck Bligh Reef in Prince William... Read more
Other
Death of Gordon Moore
On March 24, 2023, Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, died in Hawaii. Moore was known... Read more
25
Other
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New... Read more
Social
Selma-to-Montgomery March Concludes
On March 25, 1965, civil-rights marchers led by Martin Luther King Jr. reached the Alabama... Read more
26
Scientific
First Commercial Motion-Picture Film Manufactured
On March 26, 1885, the Eastman Dry Plate and Film Company manufactured the first commercial... Read more
Political
Signing of the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty in Washington
On March 26, 1979, the Egypt–Israel peace treaty was signed on the White House lawn... Read more
27
Other
Founding of St. Mary’s City, Maryland
On March 27, 1634, English settlers established St. Mary’s City in what is now Maryland.... Read more
Natural Disaster
Great Alaska Earthquake (Good Friday Earthquake)
On March 27, 1964, a powerful magnitude 9.2 earthquake struck south-central Alaska. It is the... Read more
28
Political
Death of President Dwight D. Eisenhower
On March 28, 1969, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower died in Washington, D.C. Eisenhower had... Read more
Other
Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident
On March 28, 1979, a partial meltdown occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power... Read more
29
Political
Birth of President John Tyler
On March 29, 1790, John Tyler was born in Virginia. He later became the 10th... Read more
Other
Birth of Sam Walton
On March 29, 1918, Sam Walton was born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. He would go on... Read more
30
Other
Alaska Purchase Agreement
On March 30, 1867, the United States agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2... Read more
Political
Assassination Attempt on President Ronald Reagan
On March 30, 1981, John Hinckley Jr. shot President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton... Read more
31
Other
Convention of Kanagawa
On March 31, 1854, the United States and Japan signed the Convention of Kanagawa. The... Read more
Other
US Takes Possession of the Virgin Islands
On March 31, 1917, the United States formally took possession of the Danish West Indies,... Read more
April
1
Military
US Forces Invade Okinawa
On April 1, 1945, American forces launched a massive amphibious invasion of Okinawa, one of... Read more
Other
US Department of Transportation Begins Operation
On April 1, 1967, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) officially began operations. The... Read more
2
Economic
Coinage Act Establishes the U.S. Mint
On April 2, 1792, Congress passed the Coinage Act, which created the United States Mint.... Read more
Military
Wilson Asks Congress for a Declaration of War on Germany
On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress to request a declaration of war... Read more
3
Other
Pony Express Begins Service
On April 3, 1860, the Pony Express launched its first mail service between St. Joseph,... Read more
Social
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Mountaintop” Speech
On April 3, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”... Read more
4
Cultural
Congress Adopts New Design for the US Flag
On April 4, 1818, Congress passed a law that fixed the number of stripes on... Read more
Social
Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while standing on the balcony... Read more
5
Economic
Sugar Act Passed by Parliament
On April 5, 1764, the British Parliament passed the Sugar Act, which imposed duties on... Read more
Economic
FDR Orders Surrender of Gold
On April 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102, requiring Americans to... Read more
6
Military
Battle of Shiloh Begins
On April 6, 1862, Confederate forces launched a surprise attack on Union troops near Pittsburg... Read more
Military
United States Enters World War I
On April 6, 1917, the United States formally declared war on Germany and entered World... Read more
7
Economic
Beer Sales Resume Under the Cullen-Harrison Act
On April 7, 1933, Americans legally bought beer again after years of Prohibition, thanks to... Read more
Scientific
Launch of 2001 Mars Odyssey
On April 7, 2001, NASA launched the 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter from Cape Canaveral, Florida.... Read more
8
Political
Seventeenth Amendment Ratified
On April 8, 1913, the Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. The amendment... Read more
Sports
Hank Aaron Breaks Babe Ruth’s Home Run Record
On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit his 715th career home... Read more
9
Military
Lee Surrenders at Appomattox Court House
On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S.... Read more
Other
Civil Rights Act of 1866 Passed
On April 9, 1866, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 over President Andrew... Read more
10
Cultural
Publication of “The Great Gatsby”
On April 10, 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby” was published in the... Read more
Sports
U.S. Table Tennis Team Visits China (“Ping-Pong Diplomacy”)
On April 10, 1971, members of the U.S. table tennis team visited the People’s Republic... Read more
11
Other
Civil Rights Act of 1968 Signed
On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968,... Read more
Scientific
Apollo 13 Launches
On April 11, 1970, NASA launched Apollo 13 from Kennedy Space Center, intending to land... Read more
12
Military
Attack on Fort Sumter
On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South... Read more
Scientific
First Space Shuttle Launch (STS-1)
On April 12, 1981, NASA launched the space shuttle Columbia on mission STS-1. It was... Read more
13
Political
Birth of Thomas Jefferson
On April 13, 1743, Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia. He would later become the... Read more
Scientific
Apollo 13 Oxygen Tank Explosion
On April 13, 1970, an oxygen tank exploded aboard the Apollo 13 spacecraft on its... Read more
14
Political
Abraham Lincoln Is Shot at Ford’s Theatre
On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s... Read more
Cultural
Publication of “The Grapes of Wrath”
On April 14, 1939, John Steinbeck’s novel “The Grapes of Wrath” was published. The book... Read more
15
Political
Death of Abraham Lincoln
On April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln died from the gunshot wound he received the... Read more
Sports
Jackie Robinson Breaks Baseball’s Color Barrier
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the... Read more
16
Other
D.C. Compensated Emancipation Act
On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act.... Read more
Other
Virginia Tech Shooting
On April 16, 2007, a gunman carried out a mass shooting at Virginia Tech in... Read more
17
Military
Bay of Pigs Invasion Begins
On April 17, 1961, a force of Cuban exiles, supported and trained by the U.S.... Read more
Scientific
Apollo 13 Returns Safely to Earth
On April 17, 1970, the damaged Apollo 13 spacecraft splashed down safely in the Pacific... Read more
18
Military
Paul Revere’s Ride
On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere and other riders set out from... Read more
Natural Disaster
San Francisco Earthquake
On April 18, 1906, a powerful earthquake struck San Francisco and parts of northern California.... Read more
19
Military
Battles of Lexington and Concord
On April 19, 1775, colonial militia and British troops clashed at Lexington and Concord in... Read more
Other
Oklahoma City Bombing
On April 19, 1995, a truck bomb exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building... Read more
20
Other
Ludlow Massacre
On April 20, 1914, violence erupted at a tent colony of striking coal miners near... Read more
Other
Deepwater Horizon Explosion
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of... Read more
21
Military
Battle of San Jacinto
On April 21, 1836, Texian forces under General Sam Houston defeated Mexican troops at the... Read more
Scientific
Seattle World’s Fair (Century 21 Exposition) Opens
On April 21, 1962, the Seattle World’s Fair, officially called the Century 21 Exposition, opened... Read more
22
Other
Oklahoma Land Run
On April 22, 1889, the first major Oklahoma Land Run opened formerly restricted lands to... Read more
Social
First Earth Day
On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans participated in the first Earth Day. The event... Read more
23
Sports
Hank Aaron’s First Major League Home Run
On April 23, 1954, Hank Aaron hit his first Major League Baseball home run while... Read more
Cultural
“New Coke” Introduced
On April 23, 1985, the Coca-Cola Company announced a reformulated version of its flagship soda,... Read more
24
Cultural
Library of Congress Established
On April 24, 1800, President John Adams signed an act of Congress that created the... Read more
Military
Operation Eagle Claw (Failed Iran Hostage Rescue)
On April 24, 1980, the United States launched Operation Eagle Claw, a mission to rescue... Read more
25
Military
U.S. Declares War on Spain
On April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain, beginning the Spanish-American War.... Read more
Other
New York Adopts Mandatory License Plates
On April 25, 1901, New York became the first U.S. state to require license plates... Read more
26
Other
Landing at Cape Henry by Jamestown Settlers
On April 26, 1607, English explorers landed at Cape Henry, near the entrance to Chesapeake... Read more
27
Other
Sultana Steamboat Disaster
On April 27, 1865, the steamboat Sultana exploded and burned on the Mississippi River near... Read more
28
Political
Maryland Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
On April 28, 1788, Maryland ratified the U.S. Constitution, becoming the seventh state to approve... Read more
Sports
Muhammad Ali Refuses Induction into the U.S. Army
On April 28, 1967, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali refused induction into the U.S. Army... Read more
29
Political
Nixon Releases Edited Watergate Transcripts
On April 29, 1974, President Richard Nixon released edited transcripts of taped White House conversations... Read more
Other
Los Angeles Riots Begin After Rodney King Verdict
On April 29, 1992, riots broke out in Los Angeles after a jury acquitted four... Read more
30
Political
George Washington Inaugurated as First U.S. President
On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United... Read more
Other
Louisiana Purchase Treaty Signed
On April 30, 1803, the United States and France signed the Louisiana Purchase treaty. The... Read more
May
1
Other
Empire State Building Opens
On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building officially opened in New York City. At... Read more
2
Military
Osama bin Laden Killed in U.S. Operation
On May 2, 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs carried out a raid on a compound in... Read more
3
Other
Washington, D.C., Incorporated as a City
On May 3, 1802, the U.S. Congress passed an act that formally incorporated Washington, D.C.,... Read more
4
Social
Haymarket Affair Bombing in Chicago
On May 4, 1886, a labor rally in Chicago’s Haymarket Square turned deadly when a... Read more
5
Scientific
Alan Shepard Becomes First American in Space
On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard flew aboard the Freedom 7 spacecraft and became... Read more
6
Other
Chinese Exclusion Act Signed
On May 6, 1882, President Chester A. Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act into law.... Read more
7
Military
Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7, 1915, the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German... Read more
8
Military
V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day)
On May 8, 1945, people across the United States and Europe celebrated Victory in Europe... Read more
9
Other
FDA Approves the Birth Control Pill
On May 9, 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral contraceptive... Read more
10
Other
Golden Spike Completes First Transcontinental Railroad
On May 10, 1869, a ceremonial golden spike was driven at Promontory Summit in the... Read more
11
Cultural
IBM’s Deep Blue Defeats Garry Kasparov
On May 11, 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue computer defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in... Read more
12
Other
Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 Begins
On May 12, 1902, miners in the anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania went on strike... Read more
13
Military
United States Declares War on Mexico
On May 13, 1846, the United States Congress declared war on Mexico, starting the Mexican–American... Read more
14
Other
Lewis and Clark Expedition Departs St. Louis Area
On May 14, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition set out from near St. Louis,... Read more
15
Other
Standard Oil Ordered Broken Up
On May 15, 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Standard Oil Company was... Read more
16
Political
Senate Falls One Vote Short of Removing Andrew Johnson
On May 16, 1868, the U.S. Senate held a key vote in the impeachment trial... Read more
17
Other
Brown v. Board of Education Decision
On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Brown v. Board... Read more
18
Natural Disaster
Mount St. Helens Erupts
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington state erupted in a major volcanic... Read more
19
Political
Twenty-Seventh Amendment Ratified
On May 19, 1992, the Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was declared ratified. The... Read more
20
Other
Homestead Act Signed
On May 20, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act into law. The act... Read more
21
Other
American Red Cross Founded
On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. Inspired... Read more
22
Other
Sacking of Lawrence, Kansas
On May 22, 1856, pro-slavery forces attacked the town of Lawrence, Kansas, a center of... Read more
23
Other
Bonnie and Clyde Killed in Louisiana
On May 23, 1934, notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were killed by law... Read more
24
Other
Brooklyn Bridge Opens
On May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge officially opened, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn across the... Read more
25
Political
Constitutional Convention Opens in Philadelphia
On May 25, 1787, delegates from various states gathered in Philadelphia to begin what became... Read more
26
Other
Ford Ends Production of the Model T
On May 26, 1927, the Ford Motor Company produced the last Model T at its... Read more
27
Other
Golden Gate Bridge Opens to Pedestrians
On May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco opened to pedestrians for... Read more
28
Other
Indian Removal Act Signed
On May 28, 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law. The... Read more
29
Political
Birth of John F. Kennedy
On May 29, 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. He would later... Read more
30
Military
Decoration Day (Early National Memorial Day Observance)
On May 30, 1868, a national day of remembrance called Decoration Day was observed for... Read more
31
Natural Disaster
Johnstown Flood
On May 31, 1889, a dam above Johnstown, Pennsylvania, failed after days of heavy rain,... Read more
June
1
Other
Creation of the Census Bureau
On June 1, 1902, Congress established the permanent Census Bureau as part of the Department... Read more
Other
Launch of Cable News Network (CNN)
On June 1, 1980, CNN began broadcasting as the first 24-hour television news network in... Read more
2
Political
Twenty-Second Amendment Ratified by Congress
On June 2, 1947, Congress approved the Twenty-Second Amendment, which limits a president to two... Read more
3
Political
Huey Long Elected U.S. Senator
On June 3, 1930, Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long won election to the U.S. Senate.... Read more
Military
Battle of Midway Begins
On June 3, 1942, the Battle of Midway began in the Pacific Theater during World... Read more
4
Cultural
First Pulitzer Prizes Awarded
On June 4, 1917, the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded in the United States. The... Read more
Other
Voting Rights for Native Americans Recognized
On June 4, 1924, Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting U.S. citizenship to all... Read more
5
Other
Marshall Plan Speech
On June 5, 1947, Secretary of State George C. Marshall delivered a speech proposing the... Read more
Political
Robert F. Kennedy Assassinated
On June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot in Los Angeles after winning... Read more
6
Cultural
First Drive-in Theater Opens
On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey. Its... Read more
Military
D-Day Invasion of Normandy
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France. It became... Read more
7
Military
U.S. Invades Cuba (Spanish-American War)
On June 7, 1898, U.S. Marines landed at Guantánamo Bay during the Spanish-American War. The... Read more
Military
Battle of Midway Ends
On June 7, 1942, the Battle of Midway ended with a decisive U.S. victory. American... Read more
8
Cultural
Frank Lloyd Wright was Born
On June 8, 1867, architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Wisconsin. Wright became one... Read more
Social
FDR Signs the GI Bill
On June 8, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the GI Bill, providing benefits for... Read more
9
Cultural
Donald Duck Makes Film Debut
On June 9, 1934, Disney’s Donald Duck made his first appearance in the short film... Read more
Sports
Secretariat Wins the Belmont Stakes
On June 9, 1973, Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes by an astonishing 31 lengths. With... Read more
10
Other
Equal Pay Act Signed
On June 10, 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law.... Read more
Cultural
Alcohol Prohibition Ends in Mississippi
On June 10, 1966, Mississippi ended statewide alcohol prohibition, becoming the last U.S. state to... Read more
11
Political
Henry Cabot Lodge was Born
On June 11, 1850, Henry Cabot Lodge was born in Massachusetts. Lodge became an influential... Read more
Other
University of Alabama Desegregated
On June 11, 1963, Governor George Wallace attempted to block two Black students, Vivian Malone... Read more
12
Other
Johnson Act Signed (New Immigration Law)
On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Johnson-Reed Act, a major immigration restriction... Read more
Other
Loving v. Virginia Decision
On June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court ruled in Loving v. Virginia that laws banning... Read more
Other
President Reagan’s Berlin Speech
On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan delivered a speech in West Berlin, famously urging... Read more
13
Other
Lewis and Clark Reach the Great Falls
On June 13, 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition reached the Great Falls of the... Read more
Other
Miranda v. Arizona Decision
On June 13, 1966, the Supreme Court ruled that suspects must be informed of their... Read more
14
Military
U.S. Army Established
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army. George Washington was... Read more
Cultural
Flag Day Established
June 14 commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777. While not a federal... Read more
15
Political
Magna Carta Anniversary Inspires U.S. Liberty Ideas
Although the Magna Carta was signed in England on June 15, 1215, its anniversary became... Read more
Other
George Washington Appointed Commander-in-Chief
On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed George Washington commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.... Read more
16
Other
Ford Motor Company Incorporated
On June 16, 1903, Henry Ford incorporated the Ford Motor Company. With modest initial funding,... Read more
Scientific
First Woman in Space Honored in the U.S.
On June 16, 1963, the Soviet Union sent Valentina Tereshkova into space. Although a foreign... Read more
17
Military
Battle of Bunker Hill
On June 17, 1775, colonial forces and British troops fought the Battle of Bunker Hill... Read more
Political
Watergate Break-in
On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee... Read more
18
Military
War of 1812 Begins
On June 18, 1812, Congress declared war on Great Britain. Causes included maritime conflicts and... Read more
Other
Susan B. Anthony Fined for Voting
On June 18, 1873, Susan B. Anthony was found guilty of illegally voting in the... Read more
19
Other
Juneteenth (Emancipation in Texas)
On June 19, 1865, Union forces arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people... Read more
Other
Civil Rights Act of 1964 Passes Senate
On June 19, 1964, the U.S. Senate passed the Civil Rights Act after a lengthy... Read more
20
Other
Great Seal of the United States Adopted
On June 20, 1782, Congress approved the final design of the Great Seal of the... Read more
Other
West Virginia Admitted as a State
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state. Its creation resulted from internal... Read more
21
Other
Constitutional Convention Approves U.S. Constitution
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution. Its... Read more
Other
Freedom Summer Begins
On June 21, 1964, civil-rights organizations launched Freedom Summer in Mississippi. Volunteers arrived to register... Read more
22
Cultural
Pledge of Allegiance Officially Recognized
On June 22, 1942, Congress formally recognized the Pledge of Allegiance. The resolution standardized its... Read more
Social
GI Bill Signed (Anniversary Celebrated)
June 22 is often celebrated as the anniversary of the GI Bill’s signing in 1944.... Read more
23
Military
Coast Guard Auxiliary Established
On June 23, 1939, Congress created the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The volunteer organization assists with... Read more
Other
Title IX Enacted
On June 23, 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments was signed into law. The... Read more
24
Military
Battle of Little Bighorn (Begins)
On June 24, 1876, the Battle of Little Bighorn began as U.S. forces approached a... Read more
Other
First Commercial Flight Across the U.S.
On June 24, 1924, a commercial airplane completed the first flight crossing the United States.... Read more
25
Military
Custer’s Last Stand (Conclusion of Little Bighorn)
On June 25, 1876, the climactic fighting at Little Bighorn occurred. Custer’s force was overwhelmed... Read more
Military
Start of the Korean War
On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea, starting the Korean War. The... Read more
26
Other
U.N. Charter Signed in San Francisco
On June 26, 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco. The United... Read more
Other
Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage... Read more
27
Other
First ATM Installed in the U.S.
On June 27, 1969, the first automated teller machine in the United States was installed... Read more
Other
National PTSD Awareness Day Established
June 27 became recognized as PTSD Awareness Day to highlight post-traumatic stress disorder. The observance... Read more
28
Other
Treaty of Versailles Signed (U.S. Implications)
On June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles formally ended World War I. Although the... Read more
Other
Stonewall Uprising
On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City, sparking spontaneous... Read more
29
Cultural
Shakespearean Theater in the U.S. Popularized
June 29 has often been associated with major Shakespeare festivals in the U.S., many of... Read more
Other
Interstate Highway Act Signed
On June 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act. The law... Read more
30
Economic
U.S. Ceases Gold Standard for Domestic Use
On June 30, 1933, the United States ended domestic gold redemption as part of New... Read more
Social
Social Security Act Amendments Expand Benefits
On June 30, 1961, significant amendments to the Social Security Act expanded benefits. The changes... Read more
July
1
Military
Battle of Gettysburg Begins
On July 1, 1863, Union and Confederate forces first clashed near the town of Gettysburg,... Read more
Other
ZIP Code System Introduced
On July 1, 1963, the U.S. Post Office Department introduced the Zone Improvement Plan, better... Read more
2
Political
President Garfield Shot
On July 2, 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau at a... Read more
Other
Civil Rights Act of 1964 Signed
On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964... Read more
3
Military
Battle of Gettysburg Ends
On July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg reached its climax with Pickett’s Charge, a... Read more
Other
Idaho Admitted as a State
On July 3, 1890, Idaho was admitted to the Union as the 43rd state. The... Read more
4
Political
Declaration of Independence Approved
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally approved the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.... Read more
Other
Completion of the Louisiana Purchase Transfer
While the Louisiana Purchase treaty was signed earlier, July 4, 1803, saw public announcement and... Read more
5
Political
First Military Band Performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner”
On July 5, 1814, an early version of what would become the “Star-Spangled Banner” was... Read more
Other
National Labor Relations Board Established
On July 5, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act, which... Read more
6
Political
Continental Congress Adopts the “Olive Branch Petition”
On July 6, 1775, the Continental Congress agreed to send the so-called Olive Branch Petition... Read more
Scientific
Louis Pasteur’s Rabies Vaccine First Used in U.S.
On July 6, 1885, the rabies vaccine developed by Louis Pasteur began to be adopted... Read more
7
Other
U.S. Annexes Hawaii
On July 7, 1898, President William McKinley signed a joint resolution of Congress annexing Hawaii... Read more
Military
First Women Naval Aviators Accepted into Flight School
On July 7, 1972, the U.S. Navy announced that women would be allowed to train... Read more
8
Political
First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence received its first public reading in Philadelphia.... Read more
Cultural
Liberty Bell Rings in Celebration
Also on July 8, 1776, according to tradition, the Liberty Bell rang to mark the... Read more
9
Political
Declaration of Independence Approved by New York Delegates
On July 9, 1776, New York’s delegates to the Continental Congress received authorization to support... Read more
Other
Fourteenth Amendment Ratified
On July 9, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. It granted citizenship... Read more
10
Political
Wyoming Becomes First Territory to Give Women the Vote
On July 10, 1890, Wyoming entered the Union as the 44th state, keeping its earlier... Read more
Military
Battle of the Atlantic Intensifies
On July 10, 1942, the Battle of the Atlantic entered a critical phase as German... Read more
11
Political
Alexander Hamilton Fatally Wounded in Duel
On July 11, 1804, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr fought a duel in Weehawken, New... Read more
Scientific
Skylab Reenters Earth’s Atmosphere
On July 11, 1979, the abandoned U.S. space station Skylab reentered Earth’s atmosphere. Skylab had... Read more
12
Military
Congress Authorizes Medal of Honor
On July 12, 1862, Congress authorized the Medal of Honor for the U.S. Army. A... Read more
Cultural
Etowah Indian Mounds Legislation Passed
On July 12, 1953, the state of Georgia passed legislation to preserve the Etowah Indian... Read more
13
Political
Northwest Ordinance Enacted
On July 13, 1787, Congress passed the Northwest Ordinance. The law established rules for settling... Read more
Social
New York City Draft Riots Begin
On July 13, 1863, violent riots erupted in New York City over the Union draft.... Read more
14
Political
Sedition Act Signed
On July 14, 1798, President John Adams signed the Sedition Act. The law criminalized false... Read more
Political
Gerald Ford Becomes Vice President Nominee
On July 14, 1974, President Richard Nixon selected Gerald Ford as vice president after the... Read more
15
Military
Remains of U.S. Servicemen Returned from Korea
On July 15, 1958, the United States received the remains of hundreds of servicemen from... Read more
Scientific
Apollo–Soyuz Docking Preparation Begins
On July 15, 1975, the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project launched from the United States. The mission... Read more
16
Military
Trinity Nuclear Test
On July 16, 1945, the United States detonated the world’s first atomic bomb at the... Read more
Scientific
Apollo 11 Launches
On July 16, 1969, NASA launched Apollo 11 from Kennedy Space Center. The mission carried... Read more
17
Cultural
Disneyland Opens
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California. Walt Disney introduced a theme park... Read more
Other
TWA Flight 800 Disaster
On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 exploded shortly after takeoff from New York. All... Read more
18
Other
First U.S. Public School Opened (Boston Latin School Anniversary)
While Boston Latin School was founded earlier, July 18 is often observed for associated historical... Read more
Military
Korean War Peace Talks Begin
On July 18, 1951, peace negotiations began to end the Korean War. Delegates from both... Read more
19
Social
First Women's Rights Convention (Seneca Falls)
On July 19, 1848, the first Women’s Rights Convention opened in Seneca Falls, New York.... Read more
Other
Truman Doctrine Announced
On July 19, 1947, President Harry S. Truman outlined the Truman Doctrine’s principles for supporting... Read more
20
Scientific
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 achieved the first manned Moon landing. Neil Armstrong became... Read more
Scientific
Viking 1 Lands on Mars
On July 20, 1976, NASA’s Viking 1 became the first U.S. spacecraft to land successfully... Read more
21
Military
First Major Battle of Bull Run
On July 21, 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run was fought in Virginia. It... Read more
Other
Scopes “Monkey Trial” Verdict
On July 21, 1925, the Scopes Trial concluded in Dayton, Tennessee. Teacher John T. Scopes... Read more
22
Economic
FDIC Established
On July 22, 1934, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) opened its doors. It guaranteed... Read more
Military
G.I. Newspaper Stars and Stripes Published
On July 22, 1942, the first wartime edition of Stars and Stripes was published in... Read more
23
Military
U.S. Fires First Shots in Black Hawk War
On July 23, 1832, U.S. militia and Sauk warriors clashed during the Black Hawk War.... Read more
Other
Air Canada Flight 143 (“Gimli Glider”) Incident
On July 23, 1983, a Boeing 767 heading to Canada made an emergency landing after... Read more
24
Religious
Brigham Young Leads Mormon Pioneers to Utah
On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young and a group of Mormon pioneers entered the Salt... Read more
Scientific
Apollo 11 Crew Returns to Earth
On July 24, 1969, the Apollo 11 astronauts returned safely to Earth after landing on... Read more
25
Military
U.S. Fleet Fights at the Battle of Santiago
On July 25, 1898, U.S. forces captured the city of Ponce in Puerto Rico. The... Read more
Scientific
First U.S. “Test Tube Baby” Born
On July 25, 1981, the first American baby conceived through in vitro fertilization was born.... Read more
26
Other
FBI Founded
On July 26, 1908, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was created as the Bureau of... Read more
Other
Americans with Disabilities Act Signed
On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.... Read more
27
Military
First Jet-to-Jet Aerial Refueling
On July 27, 1950, the U.S. Air Force successfully completed the first jet-to-jet aerial refueling.... Read more
Military
Korean War Armistice Signed
On July 27, 1953, the Korean War armistice was signed at Panmunjom. It ended active... Read more
28
Other
Formation of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause
On July 28, 1868, Secretary of State Seward issued a proclamation that the Fourteenth Amendment... Read more
Military
World War I “Great Depression March” (Bonus Army Dispersed)
On July 28, 1932, U.S. troops dispersed the Bonus Army in Washington, D.C. Thousands of... Read more
29
Military
First Atomic Submarine Launched (USS Nautilus)
On July 29, 1954, the USS Nautilus was launched as the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine.... Read more
Scientific
NASA Established
On July 29, 1958, President Eisenhower signed legislation creating NASA. The agency was established in... Read more
30
Social
Social Security Act Signed
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed amendments expanding Social Security, including the... Read more
Other
Jimmy Hoffa Disappears
On July 30, 1975, labor leader Jimmy Hoffa disappeared from a Detroit-area restaurant parking lot.... Read more
31
Other
Lowering of the U.S. Flag in Hawai‘i After Annexation (1898 Observance)
July 31 is often associated with ceremonies following the annexation of Hawai‘i in 1898. These... Read more
Military
First U.S. Navy Destroyer Launched (USS Bainbridge)
On July 31, 1901, the USS Bainbridge was launched as the first true destroyer in... Read more
August
1
Political
Colorado Becomes a State
On August 1, 1876, Colorado was admitted to the Union as the 38th state. Statehood... Read more
Cultural
MTV Launches 24-Hour Music Television
On August 1, 1981, MTV (Music Television) began broadcasting in the United States. Its first... Read more
2
Other
First United States Census Conducted
On August 2, 1790, the young United States officially began its first national census. The... Read more
Military
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
On August 2, 1964, the U.S. destroyer USS Maddox reported being attacked by North Vietnamese... Read more
3
Political
Calvin Coolidge Sworn in as President
In the early hours of August 3, 1923, Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as the... Read more
Political
PATCO Air Traffic Controllers Strike
On August 3, 1981, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) called a nationwide strike... Read more
4
Military
United States Coast Guard Founded
On August 4, 1790, Congress authorized the creation of the Revenue Cutter Service, which later... Read more
Political
Birth of Barack Obama
On August 4, 1961, Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He would go on... Read more
5
Military
Battle of Mobile Bay
On August 5, 1864, Union naval forces under Admiral David Farragut attacked Confederate defenses at... Read more
Cultural
Death of Marilyn Monroe
On August 5, 1962, actress Marilyn Monroe was found dead at her home in Los... Read more
6
Military
Atomic Bomb Dropped on Hiroshima
On August 6, 1945, a U.S. B-29 bomber dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese... Read more
Other
Voting Rights Act Signed into Law
On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act in a... Read more
7
Military
Badge of Military Merit Established
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to recognize... Read more
Political
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
On August 7, 1964, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in response to reported... Read more
8
Political
Nixon Announces He Will Resign
On August 8, 1974, President Richard Nixon addressed the nation on television to announce that... Read more
Sports
First Scheduled Night Game at Wrigley Field
On August 8, 1988, the Chicago Cubs hosted their first scheduled night game at Wrigley... Read more
9
Military
Atomic Bomb Dropped on Nagasaki
On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb, this time on... Read more
Political
Nixon Resigns, Ford Becomes President
On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon’s resignation took effect at noon, and Gerald Ford was... Read more
10
Scientific
Smithsonian Institution Created
On August 10, 1846, President James K. Polk signed legislation creating the Smithsonian Institution. The... Read more
Military
Department of Defense Formally Established
On August 10, 1949, amendments to earlier legislation consolidated the U.S. military services under a... Read more
11
Other
First Federal Prisoners Arrive at Alcatraz
On August 11, 1934, the first group of federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island in... Read more
Other
Watts Rebellion Begins
On August 11, 1965, tensions between residents and police in the Watts neighborhood of Los... Read more
12
Other
Annexation of Hawaii Ceremony in Honolulu
On August 12, 1898, a formal ceremony in Honolulu marked the transfer of sovereignty over... Read more
Other
IBM Introduces the Personal Computer
On August 12, 1981, IBM announced its first mass-market personal computer, the IBM PC. The... Read more
13
Military
First Women Enlist in U.S. Marine Corps
On August 13, 1918, Opha May Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the... Read more
Other
Berlin Wall Construction Begins
On August 13, 1961, East German authorities began building the Berlin Wall, dividing East and... Read more
14
Social
Social Security Act Signed
On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law.... Read more
Military
Japan Announces Its Surrender in World War II (V-J Day in the U.S.)
On August 14, 1945, news spread in the United States that Japan had accepted Allied... Read more
15
Other
Panama Canal Opens to Traffic
On August 15, 1914, the Panama Canal officially opened to commercial traffic when the SS... Read more
Cultural
Woodstock Music and Art Fair Begins
On August 15, 1969, the Woodstock Music and Art Fair opened on a farm near... Read more
16
Sports
Babe Ruth Dies
On August 16, 1948, baseball legend Babe Ruth died in New York City. Ruth had... Read more
Cultural
Death of Elvis Presley
On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley was found dead at his Graceland home in Memphis,... Read more
17
Other
Steamboat Clermont Begins Trial Voyage
On August 17, 1807, Robert Fulton’s steamboat Clermont began its first successful trial voyage up... Read more
Political
President Clinton Testifies Before Grand Jury
On August 17, 1998, President Bill Clinton testified before a grand jury investigating his relationship... Read more
18
Other
Nineteenth Amendment Ratified
On August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the final state needed to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment,... Read more
19
Military
USS Constitution Defeats HMS Guerriere
On August 19, 1812, the U.S. frigate Constitution engaged the British warship Guerriere in the... Read more
Sports
First Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
On August 19, 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted its first automobile races. The track... Read more
20
Political
Birth of Benjamin Harrison
On August 20, 1833, Benjamin Harrison was born in Ohio. He later became the 23rd... Read more
Sports
National Football League Origins in Canton Meeting
On August 20, 1920, representatives of several professional football teams met in Canton, Ohio, to... Read more
21
Social
Nat Turner’s Rebellion Begins
On August 21, 1831, enslaved preacher Nat Turner led an uprising in Southampton County, Virginia.... Read more
Political
Hawaii Becomes the 50th State
On August 21, 1959, Hawaii was admitted to the Union as the 50th state. The... Read more
22
Political
Theodore Roosevelt First U.S. President to Ride in an Automobile in Public
On August 22, 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt rode in a Columbia electric car in Hartford,... Read more
Sports
Nolan Ryan Records 5,000th Strikeout
On August 22, 1989, pitcher Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers struck out Rickey Henderson... Read more
23
Social
Sacco and Vanzetti Executed
On August 23, 1927, Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed in Massachusetts... Read more
Scientific
Voyager 2 Flies Past Neptune
On August 23–24, 1989, NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft made its closest approach to Neptune, completing... Read more
24
Military
British Burn Washington, D.C.
On August 24, 1814, British forces captured Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812 and... Read more
Scientific
Pluto Reclassified as a Dwarf Planet
On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted to redefine the term “planet,” which... Read more
25
Natural Disaster
Hurricane Katrina First U.S. Landfall in Florida
On the night of August 25, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made its first U.S. landfall as... Read more
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Other
National Park Service Established
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation creating the National Park Service. The... Read more
Other
Nineteenth Amendment Certified, Women’s Equality Day
On August 26, 1920, the U.S. Secretary of State certified the Nineteenth Amendment, formally adding... Read more
Other
Women’s Strike for Equality
On August 26, 1970, thousands of women across the United States participated in the Women’s... Read more
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Other
Edwin Drake Strikes Oil in Pennsylvania
On August 27, 1859, Edwin Drake successfully drilled an oil well near Titusville, Pennsylvania. The... Read more
Scientific
Mariner 2 Launched Toward Venus
On August 27, 1962, NASA launched the Mariner 2 spacecraft on a mission to Venus.... Read more
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Other
Murder of Emmett Till
On August 28, 1955, fourteen-year-old Emmett Till, visiting Mississippi from Chicago, was abducted and murdered... Read more
Social
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
On August 28, 1963, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom drew a vast... Read more
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Other
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Established
On August 29, 1862, the U.S. Treasury authorized the creation of what became the Bureau... Read more
Natural Disaster
Hurricane Katrina Strikes Gulf Coast
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast as a... Read more
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Military
General Douglas MacArthur Arrives in Japan
On August 30, 1945, General Douglas MacArthur arrived in Japan to oversee the Allied occupation... Read more
Other
Thurgood Marshall Confirmed to Supreme Court
On August 30, 1967, the U.S. Senate confirmed Thurgood Marshall as an associate justice of... Read more
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Natural Disaster
Charleston Earthquake
On August 31, 1886, a powerful earthquake struck near Charleston, South Carolina. The quake damaged... Read more
Social
Solidarity Day March Planning and Labor Mobilization (Early 1980s Context)
In late August 1981, including around August 31, U.S. labor organizations intensified planning for large... Read more