Kearny Expedition
On August 18, 1846, Stephen W. Kearny declared himself military governor of the New Mexico Territory. He had captured Santa Fe without firing a shot, as part of the Kearny Expedition.
Government
Work Begins on the Berlin Wall
When the Nazis were defeated in World War II, Germany was divided into two countries. Shortly after midnight on August 13, 1961, East German soldiers laid barbed wire and bricks, creating the Berlin Wall.
Birth of the Smithsonian Institution
After a decade of debates, the Smithsonian Institution was established on August 10, 1846. Nicknamed “the nation’s attic,” it houses more than 154 million items and is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex.
Death of Robert A. Taft
Senator Robert A. Taft, son of America’s 27th president, died on July 31, 1953, in New York City. He was considered one of the five greatest US Senators.
National Postal Museum Opens
On July 30, 1993, the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum opened in Washington, DC. It’s home to the National Philatelic Collection, one of the world’s largest and most valuable stamp collections.
US and Japan Sign Treaty of Amity and Commerce
On July 29, 1858, the US signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Japan, opening trade between the two nations. The treaty marked the end of more than 200 years of Japanese isolationism.
Happy Birthday Jackie Kennedy
Jacqueline Lee Bouvier was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York. As first lady from 1961-63, she worked to restore the White House and historic landmarks, among other projects.
Brigham Young Establishes Mormon Homeland in Salt Lake City, Utah
After 17 months of travel searching for a new home for his persecuted people, Brigham Young found Utah’s Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847 and proclaimed, “This is the place.”
Death Of Roger Sherman
Roger Sherman, the only man in US history to sign America’s four most important documents (the Articles of Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution) died on July 23, 1793.