Sheridan Wins Battle of Five Forks
On April 1, 1865, Philip Sheridan earned a key Union victory at the Battle of Five Forks.
This Day in History
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Commodore Perry Opens Trade with Japan
On March 31, 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry signed a peace and trade agreement with Japan.
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Publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
On March 20, 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin was first published in America.
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Hattie McDaniel’s Academy Award Win
On February 29, 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award.
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Death of Apache Warrior Geronimo
After decades of fighting to return to his homeland, Geronimo died on February 17, 1909, never able to realize his wish.
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U.S. Coast Guard Established
On January 28, 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service and United States Life-Saving Service were merged to form the US Coast Guard.
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Founding of El Yunque National Forest
On January 17, 1903, the National Forest Service established Luquillo Forest Reserve (today known as El Yunque National Forest) in Puerto Rico.
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First Homestead Claim is Filed
On January 1, 1863, Daniel Freeman filed the first land claim under the Homestead Act.
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Louisiana Purchase is Completed
On December 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was finalized with a ceremony in New Orleans. It doubled the size of the United States at a cost of less than 3¢ per acre.
