This Day In History

On November 13, 1989, the 20th Universal Postal Union Congress opened in Washington, DC. It was the first time the Congress convened in the US since 1897.

On November 12, 1954, Ellis Island’s immigration station closed after more than six decades of operation. At its peak, thousands passed through in a day; in its final years, the island was used largely for detention and deportation.

On November 11, 1873, Daniel Joseph Daly was born in Glen Cove, New York. Over three decades in the Marine Corps, he served in China, Haiti, and France, and became one of 19 people to receive the Medal of Honor twice.

On November 10, 1978, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established on North Dakota. Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands inspired his conservation efforts as president, establishing over 200 protected areas.

On November 12, 1954, Ellis Island’s immigration station closed after more than six decades of operation. At its peak, thousands passed through in a day; in its final years, the island was used largely for detention and deportation.

On November 11, 1873, Daniel Joseph Daly was born in Glen Cove, New York. Over three decades in the Marine Corps, he served in China, Haiti, and France, and became one of 19 people to receive the Medal of Honor twice.

On November 10, 1978, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established on North Dakota. Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands inspired his conservation efforts as president, establishing over 200 protected areas.

On November 9, 1731, Benjamin Banneker was born on a farm in Baltimore County, Maryland. He later built a wooden clock, made astronomical calculations, published almanacs, and helped survey the boundaries of the new federal district.

One of the greatest books in American literature, Moby-Dick, was first published in the United States on November 14, 1851. Its author, Herman Melville, drew deeply from his own adventurous life at sea to craft what would become one of the most profound and symbolic novels ever written.

Engineer and inventor Robert Fulton was born on November 14, 1765, in Little Britain, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He’s best known for developing the first commercially viable steamboat, though he also patented several other inventions during his lifetime.

On November 14, 1832, the John Mason was inaugurated as the first streetcar service in America. It was more comfortable, affordable, efficient, and faster than other vehicles of the da

On November 14, 1889, Nellie Bly embarked on a trip around the globe, inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days.