The Highly Photographic Life Of Frederick Douglass
Today is the assumed birth date in 1817 or 1818 of Frederick Douglass, who is known for his powerful writing and speeches, but was also probably the most photographed person of his time.
Bob Heft Designed The 50-Star U.S. Flag In High School
Today in 1942 was the birthday of Bob Heft, who designed a 50-star US flag for a high school class project as Alaska and Hawaii were on their way to statehood.
Stevie Wonder Went On Tour To Make Martin Luther King Jr. Day A National Holiday
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, we look at how music legend Stevie Wonder and his song "Happy Birthday" helped raise awareness in the effort to create a national holiday in Dr. King's honor.
Richard Nixon Once Had The White House Guard Dress In Fancy White Uniforms
In early 1970 President Richard Nixon introduced new uniforms for the guards at the White House - European-style suits that Americans thought looked better for movie ushers or marching bands.
After The Civil War, William Oland Bourne And Veterans Organized A “Left-Armed Corps”
Poet and newspaper publisher William Oland Bourne organized penmanship contests for injured Civil War veterans to encourage their writing.
John Hanson, The Guy Who Was Sort Of President Before George Washington
Today in 1781, the first U.S. president, John Hanson, was elected. Of course, being a U.S. president in 1781 was very different from the job George Washington, the first president under the U.S. Constitution, would hold eight years later.
Fort Blunder, The Military Installation Built In The Wrong Country
Today in 1816, the US military awarded to built a contract for a fort next to Lake Champlain, near the border with Canada. For years crews worked to make the fort strong, until one day when they realized there was a big problem.
The Statue Of Liberty Sat In Pieces Until A Crowdfunding Campaign Got The Job Done
Today in 1886, the U.S. dedicated the Statue of Liberty in New York. It was hard times when Lady Liberty first arrived in the country, but eventually a 19th century-style crowdfunding efforts raised enough money to raise the statue onto a pedestal.
Grace Bedell, The Girl Who Got Abe Lincoln To Grow A Beard
Today in 1860, an 11 year old wrote to not-yet-president Abraham Lincoln, suggesting he grow some whiskers because "your face is so thin." Later, a bearded Abe visited the letter writer, Grace Bedell of Westfield, New York, and showed off his new look.
Norton I Of San Francisco Declared Himself Emperor Of The United States
San Francisco icon Norton I proclaimed himself emperor of the United States and people in town just went along with it.