Iowa Becomes a State
On December 28, 1846, Iowa was admitted as America’s 29th state.
American History
Flushing Remonstrance
On December 27, 1657, a group of 30 people in Vlishing, New Netherland, signed the Flushing Remonstrance, a plea for religious freedom.
Birth of Admiral George Dewey
George Dewey was born in Montpelier, Vermont, on December 26, 1837. A hero of the Civil War and Spanish-American War, he was the first, and to date only, person promoted to Admiral of the Navy.
Birth of Philip Mazzei
Italian physician, merchant, horticulturalist and close friend of President Thomas Jefferson, Philip Mazzei was born on December 25, 1730, in Poggio a Caiano (Prato) in Tuscany.
Birth of Madam C.J. Walker
Sarah Breedlove, better known as Madam C.J. Walker, was born on December 23, 1867, in Delta, Louisiana. She’s considered to be the first female self-made millionaire in America.
The First Crossword Puzzle
On December 21, 1913, the first modern crossword puzzle was published in the New York World. It began a popular hobby that is still enjoyed around the world over 100 years later.
Birth of Carter G. Woodson
Carter Godwin Woodson was born on December 19, 1875, in New Canton, Virginia. He was the second African American to earn a PhD from Harvard and has been called the Father of Black History.
Birth of Edward MacDowell
Composer Edward Alexander MacDowell was born on December 18, 1860, in New York City. He composed several notable works and was one of the first people inducted into the American Academy of Arts and letters.
The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell
On December 17, 1925, the seven-week court-martial of World War I aviation pioneer Billy Mitchell came to an end. He was charged for his public criticism of the military in its rejection of the importance of air power.