Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany. He would grow up to challenge one of the most powerful institutions in the world—the Roman Catholic Church—and ignite the Protestant Reformation, a movement that forever changed Christianity and European society.
On November 9, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt made history when he visited the Panama Canal Zone—becoming the first sitting US president ever to travel outside the country while in office. His trip symbolized not only his hands-on leadership style but also America’s growing role as a global power in the early 20th century.
On November 8, 1900, future novelist Margaret Munnerlyn Mitchell was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Decades later, she would capture the world’s imagination with her sweeping Civil War epic Gone With the Wind.
On November 7, 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt made history as the first—and only—US president elected to a fourth term. His remarkable political career reshaped both the country’s government and its role in the world.
Baseball pitcher Walter “The Big Train” Johnson was born on November 6, 1887, in Humboldt, Kansas. Today, he is remembered not only as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history but also as a model of sportsmanship and character—an enduring symbol of the game’s early golden age.
After decades of serving the poor in the harshest conditions, Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997. Known for her work with the poor, the sick, and the dying, she devoted her life to those who were suffering. Her faith made her a global symbol of charity, and her legacy continues to inspire people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Although it had appeared on American coins for 92 years, “In God We Trust” didn’t become America’s official motto until July 30, 1956.
On July 16, 1769, Franciscan friar Junipero Serra founded California’s first Catholic mission. This marked the beginning of the Spanish mission system in California, which would go on to shape the culture, history, and landscape of the region for centuries.
On June 18, 1682, William Penn established Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It would quickly grow into a major city because of Penn’s vision.
The forerunner of the United States Marines was established on November 10, 1775, in the midst of the American Revolutionary War. The Marines have fought in every major US-involved war since, making over 300 landings on foreign shores.
On November 10, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower presided over the dedication and official opening of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.
On November 10, 1919, the American Legion held its first convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Legion has been a champion for military service members for over a century.
On November 10, 1978, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established on North Dakota. Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands inspired his conservation efforts as president, establishing over 200 protected areas.
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