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.
Government
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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.
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Surrender of Chief Joseph
On October 5, 1877, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce surrendered to American forces just 40 miles from the safety of the Canadian border. Chief Joseph was famous for his war strategy, as well as his courage, honor, and the consideration he showed his enemies.
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Happy Birthday Cordell Hull
America’s longest-serving secretary of State, Cordell Hull, was born on October 2, 1871, in Olympus, Overton County (now Pickett County), Tennessee. Hull was also a driving force behind the the creation of the UN sometimes referred to as the “Father of the United Nations.”
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Birth of Gwen Ifill
Gwendolyn L. Ifill was born on September 29, 1955, in Jamaica, Queens. The first African American woman to host a national political show and moderate a vice presidential debate, she was widely known and respected for her integrity and ability to remain unbiased.
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Birth of Frances Willard
Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard was born on September 28, 1839, in Churchville, New York. She was a leading figure in the temperance and women’s suffrage movements in the late 1800s, though she wouldn’t live to see the passage of the 18th and 19th Amendments that achieved her goals.
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Birth of Walter Lippmann
Journalist Walter Lippmann was born on September 23, 1889, in New York City, New York. He’s been called the “most influential journalist” of the 20th century and the Father of Modern Journalism.
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Death of Fiorello La Guardia
On September 20, 1947, former New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia died. Voted the best former mayor in America, he fought corruption and revitalized the city.
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Washington Lays Cornerstone of U.S. Capitol
On September 18, 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC.
