America’s 22nd and 24th president, Grover Cleveland, died on June 24, 1908, in Princeton, New Jersey. He was America’s first president to serve two non-consecutive terms and was known for his honesty and integrity.
On June 23, 1971, the Post Office issued its last commemorative stamp as a cabinet-level department. It was reorganized as the United States Postal Service, a corporation-like independent agency of the federal government.
On June 22, 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law creating the US Department of Justice. While the position of attorney general had existed in a part time capacity for decades, it was elevated to a full-time position as head of the new Department of Justice with increased responsibilities.
On June 21, 1893, the Ferris wheel debuted at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. One of the fair’s most popular attractions, it had over one million riders over the course of the fair.
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as the 35th state. It had formed from the western counties of Virginia which disagreed with the state’s decision to secede during the Civil War.
On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation (issued two years prior). The day the last American slaves were freed has become a federal holiday observed across the country.
On June 18, 1682, William Penn established Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It would quickly grow into a major city because of Penn’s vision.
On June 17, 1775, American colonists inflicted heavy British casualties in their loss at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Showing that the inexperienced colonial militias could stand up against the well-trained British, It raised morale and increased support for independence.
On June 16, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation passing the National Industrial Recovery Act. It was a bold and ambitious attempt to fix a broken economy during one of the hardest times in American history.