This Day In History

On February 19, 1943, the Battle of Kasserine Pass began, marking the first major clash between American and German forces in North Africa. The fight quickly tested the strength, training, and leadership of US troops as they faced experienced Axis armored units in the rugged mountains of Tunisia.

On February 18, 1885, American readers finally got their hands on a novel that captured the raw voice and restless spirit of life along the river. The long-awaited US release of Huckleberry Finn introduced a bold storytelling style that reflected real speech, real conflict, and a complicated nation still wrestling with its past.

On February 17, 1801, the young United States faced a constitutional crisis that tested whether its new government could transfer power peacefully. That day, after weeks of deadlock, the House of Representatives finally chose a president, proving that the nation’s system—though imperfect—could still function under pressure.

On February 16, 1909, stamps printed on an experimental bluish paper were issued. These stamps were part of an effort to prevent paper shrinkage.

On December 8, 1831, the man who shaped one of the most iconic buildings in American history—James Hoban—died in Washington, DC. Although his name isn’t as well known as the presidents who lived in his masterpiece, Hoban’s work left a permanent mark on the nation. As the architect of the White House, he helped design not only a home for America’s leaders but also a symbol of the country’s identity. His life story stretches from rural Ireland to the heart of the young United States, where his talent built the setting for generations of American history.

On May 27, 1930, the Chrysler Building, the tallest man-made structure at the time, opened to the public.

On June 4, 1979, the USPS issued the first block of four stamps in the American Architecture Series, which honors the evolution of American architecture over the last two centuries.

On May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic after 14 years of construction. It was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time, measuring 5,989 feet.

On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard his Friendship 7 capsule.

On February 20, 1915, the Panama-Pacific Exposition opened in San Francisco, California. The expo was a celebration of the city and the Panama Canal.

On February 20, 1792, George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, creating the US Post Office.

On February 20, 1840, the Gowan & Marx made an impressive run, hauling more than 100 cars weighing 423 tons. It was one of the earliest 4-4-0 locomotives with equalizing levers and became internationally known for hauling a train 40 times its own weight.