Birth of John Greenleaf Whittier
Author and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier was born on December 17, 1807, at his family’s rural homestead in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
Politics
Birth of Fiorello La Guardia
Fiorello La Guardia, was born December 11, 1882, in Greenwich Village, New York. He was voted the best former mayor in America for his 12 years of leadership of New York City.
Washington, D.C., Residents Vote in Their First Presidential Election
Though the District of Columbia has served as our nation’s capital since 1791, its residents didn’t get to vote in their first presidential election until November 3, 1964.
Happy Birthday, John Adams!
John Adams was born in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, on October 30, 1735. Adams was America’s first vice president and second president.
Happy Birthday Eleanor Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was born on October 11, 1884, in New York City, New York. She was America’s longest-serving First Day and is credited with redefining the role of the presidential spouse.
Happy Birthday Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. Gandhi is known worldwide for his peaceful protests and campaign that finally earned India its independence from British rule.
America’s First Televised Presidential Debate
On September 26, 1960, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon took part in America’s first televised debate, which revealed just how important this growing medium would be on future politics.
Birth of Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison was born in North Bend, Ohio, on August 20, 1833. America’s 23rd president, he was also a Civil War veteran and lawyer.
Death of Brien McMahon
Connecticut senator and chairman of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy Brien McMahon died on July 28, 1952, in Washington, DC.