Eugene V. Debs (1855–1926) was a pioneering American labor leader, socialist, and political activist who played a central role in shaping the labor movement and socialist politics in the United States. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Debs began his career working for the railroads and quickly became involved in union
Lucy Stone (1818–1893) was a pioneering American orator, abolitionist, and suffragist who played a vital role in advancing women’s rights in the 19th century. Born in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, she defied societal norms by becoming the first woman from her state to earn a college degree, graduating from Oberlin College
The women’s suffrage movement in America culminated in 1920 with passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. The movement began long before that, however, led by several courageous women who stood up for gender equality in an era when women were literally
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, served from 1853 to 1857 during a period of growing sectional tension between the North and South. A native of New Hampshire and a Democrat, Pierce believed that the abolitionist movement was a threat to national unity and alienated anti-slavery groups
The American Civil War was a watershed moment in American history, a four-year battle that was the culmination of decades of hostilities over the issue of slavery. In its final years, the War pitted two Generals against each other, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee—fierce warriors whose armies engaged
On this day in 1774, The Battle of Point Pleasant, also known as the Battle of Kanawha, was fought. It was a pivotal clash between colonial militia and Native American forces during Lord Dunmore’s War. John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore, was the Colonial Governor of Virginia and in
The “Royal Proclamation of 1763” 252 years ago on October 7, 1763, King George III of Great Britain issued a Royal Proclamation which laid out the new boundaries of the American colonies following the end of the French and Indian War. The war was concluded by the Treaty of Paris
When people hear the name “Tecumseh,” most think of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. Where did he get that name? Sherman’s middle name was taken from one of the greatest Native-American leaders of his time, Tecumseh, who died this day on October 5, 1813 at the age of about
Born on August 20, 1833, Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States (served, 1889-1893). He was a descendant of a prominent Virginia family, and was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States. Benjamin’s adult life was marked by many accomplishments: a colonel in the Civil War,
We’ve posted several stories in the past year honoring women who have figured prominently in American history. Today, we honor the memory of Mercy Otis Warren, who was born on September 25, 1728, and who became one of the unsung patriots of the American Revolution.
September 21 marks the anniversary of the death of Chief Joseph, one of the most famous Native-American chiefs during the period of our nation’s decades-long “Indian Wars” in the second half of the 19th century. Born in 1840, Chief Joseph led the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce tribe, in
“Robber Barons.” Americans have used this phrase for over a century to describe the late 19thand early 20th century men who were instrumental in the financing of America’s industrial and commercial growth.
A decade before the start of the Civil War, America was in the midst of a major political crisis, triggered by the passage in 1850 of the “Fugitive Slave Act.” Intended to be part of “compromise” legislation addressing the issue of the expansion of slavery in the Western territories, the
The story of the Mayflower has been a part of American lore for centuries, and each November, we honor the “First Thanksgiving” the Mayflower Pilgrims celebrated at Plymouth Colony in 1621 (although most historians would say that none of the Pilgrims actually called the feast they shared with the Wampanoag
Americans tend to think of our nation’s official break from its English oppressors as having taken place when the Declaration of Independence was passed by the Continental Congress in June 1776. Indeed, today, plans are underway throughout the United Stated to celebrate the 250th anniversary of that singular event in
This month we commemorate one of the most heartfelt moments in American history, when Americans everywhere turned out to welcome the return to the United States of the Marquis de Lafayette, who had been invited by President James Monroe to come to the United States as “The Nation’s Guest” to