Presidents

On November 29, 1952, president-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower filled a campaign promise to visit Korea.  He had been critical of Harry Truman’s handling of the Korean conflict and promised he would visit and bring an end to the war. 

On November 25, 1783, the British Army left New York City following the American Revolutionary War.  The date was celebrated for over a century as Evacuation Day, with celebrations rivaling those held on the Fourth of July. 

America’s 14th president, Franklin Pierce, was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, on November 23, 1804.  Despite his early popularity, Pierce only served one term due to his poor handling of the growing slavery issue. 

On November 17, 1800, Congress convened in the still-under-construction Capitol building in Washington, DC for the first time.  The Capitol building would undergo several expansions over the years, eventually growing to 16.5 acres.

On November 16, 1902, a cartoon appeared in a newspaper that inspired the creation of the first teddy bears, named after President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.

First Lady Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower was born on November 14, 1896, in Boone, Iowa.  Mrs. Eisenhower was known for her stylish dresses, frugality, and love of entertaining.  But she also spoke out in support of important causes, including heart health and the well-being of military widows.

On November 11, 1921, President Warren G. Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.  Now the final resting place for three unknown soldiers, it is guarded 24 hours a day by members of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment.

On November 10, 1978, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established on North Dakota. Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands inspired his conservation efforts as president, establishing over 200 protected areas.

On November 7, 1921, President Warren G. Harding ordered 2,200 Marines to guard the mail in the wake of a series of daring mail robberies.