Department of Justice Established
On June 22, 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law creating the U.S. Department of Justice.
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West Virginia Becomes 35th State
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as the 35th state.
The First Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation (issued two years prior). The day the last American slaves were freed has become a holiday celebrated officially in 45 states.
Battle of Bunker Hill
On June 17, 1775, American colonists inflicted heavy British casualties in their loss at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Virginia Declaration of Rights Ratified
On June 12, 1776, the Fifth Virginia Convention at Williamsburg, Virginia unanimously ratified the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
Bobby Kennedy Assassinated
Robert F. (Bobby) Kennedy was shot by an assassin on June 5, 1968, and died from his wounds early the next day.
Happy Birthday, Martha Washington!
America’s first First Lady was born Martha Dandridge on June 2, 1731 (by the Old Style calendar), on her parents’ Chestnut Grove Plantation near Williamsburg, Virginia.
Tennessee Becomes 16th State
On June 1, 1796, Tennessee was admitted as the 16th state in the Union.
Kentucky Becomes 15th State
On June 1, 1792, Kentucky was admitted as America’s 15th state.