Ellington’s Carnegie Hall Debut
On January 23, 1943, Duke Ellington made his first of many performances at Carnegie Hall.
American History
First Homestead Claim is Filed
On January 1, 1863, Daniel Freeman filed the first land claim under the Homestead Act.
First YMCA Opens in America
On December 29, 1851, Thomas V. Sullivan established America’s first YMCA.
Louisiana Purchase is Completed
On December 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was finalized with a ceremony in New Orleans. It doubled the size of the United States at a cost of less than 3¢ per acre.
13th Amendment Frees Slaves
Almost two years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th Amendment was passed, ending legal slavery in the United States. On December 6, Georgia became the 27th state to ratify the amendment, earning the three-fourths majority required for it to become law.
Illinois Becomes the 21st State
On December 3, 1818, President James Monroe signed legislation admitting the state of Illinois to the Union.
Confederates Burn Manhattan
On November 25, 1864, a group of Confederate operatives set several fires in New York City, as retaliation for damage done in the South by Union troops.
President Kennedy Killed
On November 22, 1963, President Kennedy was assassinated while campaigning in Dallas, Texas.
FDR Elected to Record Fourth Term
On November 7, 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first and only U.S. President elected to a fourth term.