Shenandoah National Park
On December 26, 1935, Shenandoah National Park was officially established in Virginia. The park is most well-known for its 105-mile Skyline Drive.
Presidents
First National Christmas Tree
On December 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first national Christmas tree outside the White House. It’s a tradition that continues to this day, though it has evolved significantly over the years.
South Carolina Secedes from the Union
On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union. Within months they were followed by 10 other states, forming the Confederate States of America, sparking the Civil War.
Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet
On December 16, 1907, Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet departed the United States for a 434-day journey around the globe to demonstrate America’s sea power.
Capture of Fort Duquesne
On November 25, 1758, British and Colonial American forces successfully took over Fort Duquesne from the French. This came near the end of several years of fighting in the French and Indian Wars.
Zachary Taylor Born
Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, was born near Barboursville, Virginia on November 24, 1784. A hero of the Mexican-American War, he only served 16 months of his time in office.
Birth of Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia (born Mahala) Jackson was born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The best-known gospel singer in the world and one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century, she received more acclaim than any other gospel singer, and is said to have been the vocal, physical, and spiritual symbol of religious music.
The Section of Painting and Sculpture
On October 16, 1934, Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Section of Panting and Sculpture (later known as the Section of Fine Arts). The Section, as it was called, invited artists across the country to beautify public buildings, including many post offices.
Creation of First US National Lakeshore
On October 15, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation establishing the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior. It was the first national lakeshore in the United States.