North Dakota Admitted to the Union
On November 2, 1889, North Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 39th state.
Government
West Virgina Votes to Secede from Virginia
On October 24, 1861, the people of West Virginia voted to secede from the Confederate state of Virginia. They would achieve statehood less than tow years later.
National Marine Sanctuaries
On October 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed legislation establishing the National Marine Sanctuary Program. This program protects and manages over 783,000 square miles of aquatic areas in and around the US.
New River Gorge Bridge
On October 22, 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge opened to motorists in West Virginia. The longest single-span arch bridge and highest roadway bridge in the world at the time of its completion, it cut a treacherous 45 minute drive down to just one minute.
U.S. Takes Possession of Alaska
On October 18, 1867, Alaska became part of America in a move dubbed “Seward’s Folly.”
The Section of Painting and Sculpture
On October 16, 1934, Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Section of Panting and Sculpture (later known as the Section of Fine Arts). The Section, as it was called, invited artists across the country to beautify public buildings, including many post offices.
Creation of First US National Lakeshore
On October 15, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation establishing the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior. It was the first national lakeshore in the United States.
Creation of the Continental Navy
On October 13, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of a Navy. The Continental Navy contributed to the American victory in the Revolutionary War, but was disbanded after the conflict ended.
Death of Statesman John Hancock
On October 8, 1793, statesman, merchant, accused smuggler, and patriot John Hancock died at his home in Boston, Massachusetts. Most famous for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence, he was a very influential Founding Father.