On December 26, 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts was founded – the first and oldest art museum and art school in the country. The Academy was the brainchild of artist Charles Willson Peale, sculptor Benjamin Rush, and other artists and businessmen.
On December 25, 1830, the Best Friend of Charleston completed its first run.
On December 23, 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager completed the first non-stop flight around the world without refueling.
First Lady Lady Bird Johnson was born on December 22, 1912, in Karnack, Texas.
On December 20, 1941, the Flying Tigers engaged in their first battle.
On December 18, 1777, the United States celebrated its first national Thanksgiving. The celebration was in reaction to the recent victory at the Battle of Saratoga.
Famed American conductor Arthur Fiedler was born on December 17, 1894, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead was born on December 16, 1901, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
On December 15, 1791, Virginia became the 11th state to ratify the Bill of Rights, earning the three-fourths majority needed to add the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.