Congress Votes George Washington as Leader of Continental Army
On this day in US history, the Continental Congress voted to appoint George Washington to command the colonies’ first official army on June 15, 1775. He had been managing his…
Scientists Discover Oldest Artwork Known in Americas
On this day in US history, scientists published what is believed to be the oldest known artwork in the Americas on June 12, 2011. An engraving was discovered on a…
NFL and AFL announce merger
On this day in US history, the rival football leagues, the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL), announced their plans to merge on June 8, 1966.…
Dr. Heimlich first publishes his technique for rescuing choking victims
On this day in US history, the stop-choking technique invented by Henry J. Heimlich was published in the medical journal Emergency Medicine on June 1, 1974. The Heimlich maneuver involves…
Future President John F. Kennedy is born
On this day in US history, one of America’s most popular and universally loved presidents, John F. Kennedy, was born to a politically and socially prominent family in Brookline, Massachusetts,…
Andrew Jackson signs Indian Removal Act
On this day in US history, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law on May 28, 1830. The bill allowed the federal government to “negotiate” with Native…
Golden Gate Bridge Opens
On this day in US history, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge opened to the public after five years of construction on May 27, 1937. On opening day, otherwise known as…
Constitutional Convention Begins
On this day in US history, 55 state delegates convened in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787, to compose a new constitution, four years after the US won its independence from…
Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis Receive Patent for Blue Jeans
On this day in US history, businessman Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis were given a patent to create work pants with metal rivets, also known as blue jeans, on…
Marilyn Monroe Sings Happy Birthday to President JFK
On this day in US history, Marilyn Monroe sang a breathy “Happy Birthday to then-President John F. Kennedy on May 19, 1962. The two had an alleged affair that has…
Mount St. Helens Erupts in Washington
On this day in US history, Mount St. Helens, a volcanic peak in Southwest Washington, erupted, killing over 50 people and destroying hundreds of miles of wilderness on May 18,…
Lewis and Clark depart to explore the Northwest
On this day in US history, the Lewis and Clark expedition departs from St. Louis, Missouri, to begin their mission to explore the Northwest region from the Mississippi River to…