Death of William Howard Taft
William Howard Taft was born September 15, 1857, near Cincinnati, Ohio.
Government
Vermont Becomes 14th State
On March 4, 1791, Vermont was admitted to the Union.
Ohio and Nebraska Join the Union
Ohio became a state on March 1, 1803, and Nebraska joined the union 64 years later on the same day.
Founding of El Yunque National Forest
On January 17, 1903, the National Forest Service established Luquillo Forest Reserve (today known as El Yunque National Forest) in Puerto Rico.
First Homestead Claim is Filed
On January 1, 1863, Daniel Freeman filed the first land claim under the Homestead Act.
Louisiana Purchase is Completed
On December 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was finalized with a ceremony in New Orleans. It doubled the size of the United States at a cost of less than 3¢ per acre.
Illinois Becomes the 21st State
On December 3, 1818, President James Monroe signed legislation admitting the state of Illinois to the Union.
FDR Elected to Record Fourth Term
On November 7, 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first and only U.S. President elected to a fourth term.
Jefferson Davis Elected Confederate President
On November 6, 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected the first and only president of the Confederate States of America.