This Day In History

In the midst of World War I, a major change quietly began in the United States Postal Service: for the first time, women were seriously tested as city letter carriers. On November 23, 1917, First Assistant Postmaster General John C. Koons issued a call to the postmasters of eight of the largest US post offices to run 15-day trials of women serving as letter carriers in the city.  This experiment was described as a potential wartime necessity, because many men were off fighting, and extra postal workers were already needed to handle the heavy Christmas mail in December.

Abigail Adams, America’s second First Lady, lived a life shaped by intelligence, resilience, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Born Abigail Smith on November 22, 1744 (November 11 in the Old Style calendar) in Weymouth, Massachusetts, she grew up during a time when girls were rarely encouraged to pursue learning. Yet Abigail’s curiosity, sharp mind, and determination made her one of the most influential women of the Revolutionary era. Her letters, ideas, and leadership helped shape the emerging nation, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire Americans today.

On November 21, 1789, North Carolina was admitted as the 12th state of the union. It had been the first state to reject the Constitution, but finally ratified after the Bill of Rights was created.

On November 20, 1943, US troops launched the Battle of Tarawa, the first American offensive in the central Pacific region of World War II. A turning point in the Pacific War, it saw effective use of the America’s newly developed island-hopping strategy and provided important lessons for future invasions.

On December 23, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act, establishing America’s current central banking system. Commonly known as the “Fed,” this independent governmental agency manages the country’s supply of money and credit. 

On October 29, 1929, the worst stock market crash in history occurred, marking the start of the decade-long Great Depression. FDR’s New Deal and Works Progress Administration helped the US recover.

On May 17, 1792, the Buttonwood Agreement was signed, laying the groundwork for the New York Stock Exchange. Today, it’s the world’s largest stock exchange.

On March 9, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation authorizing the Emergency Bank Act (EBA) to provide financial relief during a Depression-era banking crisis.

On November 24, 1954, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower christened the first plane to be designated Air Force One.

While Scott Joplin’s exact birthdate is unknown, it’s often considered to be November 24, 1868, as shown on his tombstone.  Joplin was dubbed the “King of Ragtime Writers,” known for hits such as “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.”

Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, was born near Barboursville, Virginia on November 24, 1784.  A hero of the Mexican-American War, he only served 16 months of his time in office.

US sailor Dorie Miller died on November 24, 1943, during the Battle of Makin.  He had previously survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, for which he’d earned a Navy Cross.