America Adopts National Anthem
On March 3, 1931, America officially adopted “The Star Spangled Banner” as its national anthem.
This Day in History
Yellowstone Becomes First National Park
On March 1, 1872, president Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation establishing Yellowstone National Park, the first such park in the world.
Andrew Johnson Impeached
On February 24, 1868, Andrew Johnson became the first American president to be impeached.
Birth of Thomas Edison
Thomas Alva Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio.
Victory at Guadalcanal
On February 9, 1943, the Allies claimed a major victory and marked the end of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
Happy Birthday W.C. Fields
Comedian William Claude Dukenfield (better known as W. C. Fields) was born on January 29, 1880, in Darby, Pennsylvania.
Audie Murphy Earns Medal of Honor
On January 26, 1945, Audie Murphy single-handedly held off an entire company of German soldiers at the Colmar Pocket, an action that earned him the Medal of Honor.
Paine’s Common Sense Published
On January 10, 1776, Common Sense, a persuasive pamphlet encouraging Americans to declare independence from Great Britain, was published anonymously.
Death of former President Harry Truman
On December 26, 1972, America’s 33rd president, Harry S. Truman, died.