Today in American History: January 7th, 1800

Our 13th President, Millard Fillmore is born!

An often overlooked but underrated President, how much do you know about the life and legacy of the last Whig President and Know Nothing presidential candidate? Let's explore! 🧵 Early Life:

Millard Fillmore was born on January 7, 1800, in a log cabin in upstate New York to a poor farming family, enduring severe poverty and limited formal education during his childhood. Apprenticed at age 15 to a cloth maker and later a mill owner, he faced harsh conditions but eventually bought his freedom and began self-educating while teaching school.

He studied law under a local judge, was admitted to the bar in 1823, and established a practice in East Aurora before moving to Buffalo. Fillmore married Abigail Powers in 1826, a teacher who supported his early career, and he rose in politics starting with the Anti-Masonic Party before joining the Whigs. His humble origins exemplified the American dream of self-made success through hard work and determination.

Today in American History: December 20th, 1803

The Louisiana Territory is officially transferred from France to the United States!

One of the greatest real estate deals in human history, when's the last time you had a refresher on the Louisiana Purchase? Let's explore 🧵 The Louisiana Territory in 1800

In 1800, the vast Louisiana Territory, stretching from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, was nominally under Spanish control, having been ceded to Spain by France in 1762 after the Seven Years' War. However, through the secret Third Treaty of San Ildefonso signed on October 1, 1800, Spain agreed to return the territory to France in exchange for territories in Italy, reflecting Napoleon's ambitions to rebuild a French colonial empire in North America.

The transfer remained hidden from the United States initially, causing concern when rumors surfaced about French possession of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Spain continued to administer the region until the official handover to France in November 1803, just weeks before the sale to the United States. This shifting control heightened American anxieties over access to vital trade routes.

Today in American History: December 16th, 1773

The Boston Tea Party!

Every American knows the legendary story of colonial patriots throwing British tea into Boston Harbor.

But when is the last time you had a refresher on the backstory? Let's explore.🧵 Background and Context:

The Boston Tea Party occurred amid growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain following the French and Indian War, which left Britain with significant debt. To raise revenue, Parliament imposed various taxes on the colonies, including the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767, which colonists viewed as violations of their rights since they had no representation in Parliament.

The slogan "no taxation without representation" became a rallying cry, fueling widespread protests and boycotts. Events like the Boston Massacre in 1770 further inflamed anti-British sentiment, particularly in Massachusetts. By 1773, although most Townshend duties were repealed except the tax on tea, resentment persisted, setting the stage for direct action against perceived tyranny.

Today in American History: November 7th, 1811

The Battle of Tippecanoe!

Read more here about about a battle that pitted future President William Henry Harrison vs Indian warlord Tecumseh in a battle that would foreshadow a century of Manifest Destiny.🧵 Background and Context

In the early 1800s, American settlers pushed westward into the Indiana Territory, clashing with Indian tribes over land. Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader, united various tribes into a confederacy to resist American expansion and preserve their way of life. His brother, Tenskwatawa, known as the Prophet, established Prophetstown near the Tippecanoe River as a spiritual and political center for the confederacy.

American Governor William Henry Harrison viewed this growing Indian alliance as a threat to U.S. sovereignty and settlement. British support from Canada, including arms and encouragement, fueled suspicions that the Indians were proxies in a larger conflict. Harrison marched with about 1,000 troops to confront the confederacy before it could fully mobilize.

Today in American History: October 30th, 1735

John Adams is born!

Our second President, a hero of the American Revolution and one of the great statesmen in all of American history. Let's explore his life and legacy. 🧵 Early Life

John Adams was born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, to a Puritan farmer and local official. As a bright student, he attended Harvard College, graduating in 1755, initially intending to become a minister but shifting to law. Admitted to the bar in 1758, he quickly built a successful legal practice in Boston, defending clients in complex cases. In 1764, he married Abigail Smith, a intelligent and politically astute woman who became his lifelong confidante and advisor.

Adams opposed British taxation policies early on, writing essays against the Stamp Act in 1765 that established him as a voice for colonial rights. His family life grounded him, with Abigail managing the farm and raising their children, including future president John Quincy Adams, during his frequent absences.

American Pioneers:

Charles Lindbergh After the "West Was Won", the pioneer spirit of America needed a new outlet. This manifested itself through aviation in Charles Lindbergh.

Read more here about the life of the first man to fly non-stop across the Atlantic! 🧵 Early Life and Background

Charles Lindbergh was born on February 4, 1902, in Detroit, Michigan, to Charles August Lindbergh, a Swedish immigrant and lawyer, and Evangeline Lodge Land, a chemistry teacher. Raised in Little Falls, Minnesota, he spent much of his childhood on a farm, fostering a love for machinery and nature. His parents’ turbulent marriage and frequent separations shaped his reserved personality.

Lindbergh’s early fascination with aviation emerged from watching barnstormers and tinkering with mechanical devices. He briefly attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying mechanical engineering, but left in 1922 to pursue flight training. Enrolling in the Nebraska Aircraft Corporation’s flying school, he honed his skills as a pilot, setting the stage for his later achievements.

Today in American History: October 15th, 1924

President Calvin Coolidge declares the Statue of Liberty a national monument!

But how much do you know about the origin and construction of Lady Liberty? Let's explore! 🧵 Origin

In 1865, French historian Édouard René de Laboulaye conceived the idea for the Statue of Liberty. He envisioned a monument to commemorate the United States' centennial and the enduring friendship between France and America, rooted in their shared ideals of liberty. Laboulaye proposed this gift to symbolize freedom and democracy, reflecting the strong alliance forged during the American Revolution.

The project gained momentum when French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi embraced the concept, designing the iconic statue. Bartholdi’s vision was to create a grand symbol of liberty, which he named "Liberty Enlightening the World." The statue was intended to strengthen the bond between the two nations and celebrate their commitment to democratic values. Construction began in France, with the statue later presented as a gift in 1886.

Today in American History: September 13th, 1814

O say, can you see!

Francis Scott Key observes the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, later inspiring him to write the Star Spangled Banner.

Read more about the battle here! 🧵 Background and Leadup

The War of 1812 arose from ongoing tensions between the United States and Great Britain, including British impressment of American sailors and restrictions on U.S. trade with France amid the Napoleonic Wars. By 1814, with Napoleon defeated, Britain redirected substantial military resources to North America, aiming to punish the U.S. for declaring war. In August, British forces under Major General Robert Ross achieved a humiliating victory at the Battle of Bladensburg, leading to the burning of Washington, D.C., including the White House and Capitol.

President James Madison fled the capital, and the British then raided nearby Alexandria, Virginia, seizing supplies and tobacco. Emboldened, the British turned their sights on Baltimore, Maryland's bustling port city, which was the third-largest in the U.S. and a key economic hub. To defend against the impending assault, Baltimore's citizens raised funds to arm and train a volunteer militia, while fortifications like Fort McHenry were reinforced under Major George Armistead.

Today in American History: September 6th, 1901

President William McKinley is shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz!

A once overlooked President, McKinley has risen back to prominence due to his Nationalist policies. But, how much do you know about his life? Let's explore🧵 Early Life and Heritage:

William McKinley was born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio, to a family of Scots-Irish descent. His ancestors settled in America in the mid-18th century, primarily in Pennsylvania, before moving to Ohio. Raised in a devout Methodist household, McKinley was the seventh of nine children.

His father, William Sr., ran a small iron foundry, instilling in him a strong work ethic. McKinley attended Allegheny College briefly but left due to illness and financial constraints. He worked as a teacher and postal clerk before enlisting in the Union Army during the Civil War. His early experiences shaped his commitment to hard work, faith, and national unity.

Today in American History: September 4th, 1862

Robert E. Lee and 55,000 Confederate soldiers cross the Potomac invading the North. His invasion culminates with Antietam two weeks later.

When's the last time you had a refresher on the Maryland Campaign? Let's explore 🧵 Background

In the summer of 1862, General Robert E. Lee, commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, sought to capitalize on recent victories in the Seven Days Battles and Second Bull Run. With the Confederacy bolstered by these successes, Lee aimed to invade the North, hoping to shift the war’s momentum, gain European recognition, and pressure the Union into negotiations. The Maryland Campaign, launched in early September, was Lee’s first invasion of Union territory, targeting Maryland, a border state with mixed loyalties.

Lee believed a victory on Northern soil could sway Maryland’s populace to support the Confederacy and disrupt Union morale. His army, numbering around 55,000 men, crossed the Potomac River on September 4, 1862, but faced logistical challenges, including supply shortages and straggling troops. Union General George B. McClellan, leading the Army of the Potomac, pursued Lee cautiously, unaware of the full Confederate plan until a stroke of luck—the discovery of Lee’s Special Order 191—revealed Lee’s divided forces. This campaign set the stage for a pivotal moment in the Civil War, testing both commanders’ strategic acumen.

Today in American History: September 2nd, 1864

Union General William Tecumseh Sherman captures the southern stronghold of Atlanta.

But why was Atlanta such a key target for the Union war effort? Let's explore 🧵 The Importance of Atlanta to the Confederacy

Atlanta was a vital hub for the Confederacy, serving as a major transportation and logistics center due to its extensive railroad network, which connected the South’s eastern and western regions. It was a key industrial city, producing weapons, ammunition, and supplies critical for the Confederate war effort, including the Atlanta Rolling Mill, one of the South’s largest ironworks. The city’s warehouses stored vast quantities of food, clothing, and medical supplies, sustaining Confederate armies.

Atlanta’s strategic location made it a linchpin for moving troops and resources across the Confederacy. Its capture would severely disrupt Confederate supply lines and morale, given its symbolic importance as a thriving Southern city. Losing Atlanta risked splitting the Confederacy geographically and economically, making it a prime target for Union forces.

Today in American History: August 26th, 1863

Confederate Forces under Colonel George S. Patton defeat the Union at the Battle of Rocky Gap.

Everyone knows "Old Blood and Guts" from WW2, but did you know his grandfather was a Confederate Civil War hero? Let's explore! 🧵 Early Life and American Heritage

George Smith Patton, born on November 26, 1833, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, hailed from a prominent family with deep American roots. His grandfather, Robert Patton, was a Revolutionary War veteran, and his father, John Mercer Patton, served as a U.S. Congressman and acting governor of Virginia. Raised in a household steeped in Southern aristocratic traditions, Patton was educated at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), graduating in 1852.

His early life was shaped by Virginia’s plantation culture and a strong sense of duty to family and state. The Patton family’s wealth and influence, derived from land and legal prominence, instilled in him a commitment to leadership and honor. This heritage would later resonate with his descendants, particularly in their shared martial spirit.

Today in American History: August 7th, 1794

President George Washington activates the militia to put down the Whiskey Rebellion!

Read more here about this anti-tax rebellion in Western Pennsylvania and the only time a sitting President lead an army in the field.🧵 Origins of the Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794)

The Whiskey Rebellion began in 1791 when the U.S. federal government, under Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, imposed an excise tax on distilled spirits to fund Revolutionary War debts. Western Pennsylvania farmers, who relied heavily on distilling whiskey from surplus grain for income, were hit hard by this tax, viewing it as an unfair burden. Small-scale farmers and distillers, already struggling economically, saw the tax as favoring wealthy eastern elites and large distillers.

Tensions grew as tax collectors faced resistance, ranging from petitions to outright violence. By 1794, frustration boiled over into organized opposition, with farmers refusing to pay and forming militias to resist federal authority. This set the stage for a direct challenge to the new federal government’s power.

Today in American History: August 3rd, 1923

Calvin Coolidge is sworn in as President following the death of Warren G. Harding!

An often overlooked but underrated President, Coolidge has gained more attention recently because of his immigration reforms. Let's explore! VP, Harding’s Death, Coolidge Sworn In:

Calvin Coolidge became Vice President in 1921, serving under President Warren G. Harding after their landslide victory in the 1920 election. Harding’s administration was marred by scandals, notably the Teapot Dome affair, which eroded public trust. On August 2, 1923, Harding died suddenly of a heart attack while on a western tour.

Coolidge, vacationing at his family home in Vermont, was sworn in as the 30th President by his father, a notary public, in the early hours of August 3, 1923. The modest ceremony, lit by a kerosene lamp, symbolized Coolidge’s unassuming nature. He quickly moved to restore confidence in the presidency amidst Harding’s tarnished legacy.

Today in American History: August 1st, 1781

The British arrive at Yorktown!

Two months later America will defeat the British and a humiliated Cornwallis will surrender to George Washington. Read more here about the battle where America earned its independence! Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Yorktown (September 28 – October 19, 1781) was a pivotal engagement in the American Revolutionary War. By 1781, the war between the American colonies and Britain had dragged on for six years, with the British seeking to maintain control over the southern colonies. British General Lord Charles Cornwallis established a fortified position at Yorktown, Virginia, aiming to secure a deep-water port for resupply and naval support. Meanwhile, General George Washington, commanding the Continental Army, and his French ally, General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, saw an opportunity to trap Cornwallis.

The French navy, under Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse, gained control of the Chesapeake Bay, cutting off British naval support. Washington and Rochambeau marched their combined forces south from New York, coordinating with French troops and militia to encircle Yorktown. This convergence of American and French strategy set the stage for a decisive siege.

American Legend: Daniel Boone

Politico says that Heritage Americans are obsessed with Daniel Boone, and you know what, they're right!

When's the last time you read about the life of this legendary American frontiersman? See more below! Early Life and Family (1734–1750s)

Daniel Boone was born on November 2, 1734, in a log cabin in Berks County, Pennsylvania, to a family of Quaker settlers. His father, Squire Boone, was a weaver and blacksmith, instilling in young Daniel a strong work ethic and practical skills. Growing up on the frontier, Boone learned to hunt and track game by age 12, becoming adept with a rifle.

His family’s move to North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley in 1750 exposed him to the rugged beauty of the American wilderness. This early immersion in frontier life shaped Boone’s love for exploration and self-reliance, qualities that would define his legacy. He married Rebecca Bryan in 1756, starting a family that grounded his adventurous spirit.

Today in American History: July 30th, 1945

Horror on the seas!

The USS Indianapolis sinks, stranding 900 sailors in shark invested waters. Over the course of the next 4 days they'll try to survive one of the worst mass shark attacks in human history. Read more here! Delivering Parts for the Atom Bombs

In July 1945, the USS Indianapolis, a Portland-class heavy cruiser, was tasked with a top-secret mission to deliver components for the atomic bombs to be used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Departing from San Francisco, the ship carried enriched uranium and other critical parts for "Little Boy," the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The mission was highly classified, with the crew unaware of the cargo’s exact nature. After successfully delivering the components to Tinian Island on July 26, 1945, the Indianapolis was ordered to sail to Guam and then to Leyte in the Philippines for training. The swift delivery was crucial, as it ensured the U.S. could proceed with the planned bombings to hasten the end of World War II.

Heroes of the Revolution: "Light-Horse Harry" Lee

Everyone knows about the exploits of legendary Confederate General Robert E. Lee, but did you know that his father was a hero of the American Revolution? Let's explore Family Heritage and Early Life:

Henry Lee III, born on January 29, 1756, in Dumfries, Virginia, hailed from the prominent Lee family, known for its influence in colonial Virginia politics and society. His father, Henry Lee II, was a respected planter and county official, while his mother, Lucy Grymes, connected the family to Virginia’s elite.

Growing up at Leesylvania plantation, Henry was immersed in a world of privilege and education, attending the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) where he excelled academically. His early exposure to revolutionary ideals shaped his patriotic fervor, influenced by his family’s involvement in Virginia’s governance. By his late teens, Lee was well-prepared for a military career, inheriting both social standing and a sense of duty to the emerging American cause.

American Legends: Samuel Colt

"God made man, Samuel Colt made all men equal"

Happy Birthday to Samuel Colt, born on this day in 1814 and best known for advancing weapons technology with his revolver. How much do you know about his life? Let's explore Family Background and Early Life:

Samuel Colt was born on July 19, 1814, in Hartford, Connecticut, into a family of modest means with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. His father, Christopher Colt, was a textile manufacturer, while his mother, Sarah Caldwell Colt, died when Samuel was young, leaving a lasting emotional impact. Raised in a blended family after his father’s remarriage, Colt was one of seven siblings, though several died young. His family’s New England roots tied him to a culture of innovation and industry, which shaped his ambitions. The Colts were not wealthy, but their mercantile background instilled in Samuel a drive for business success. His early exposure to mechanical processes in his father’s factory sparked his lifelong fascination with machinery.

Today in American History: July 18th, 1863

Glory! The Battle of Fort Wagner

If you ever seen the movie Glory staring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman you might be familiar with this battle and the role of Black troops in the Massachusetts 54th but how much do you know about the real story? Let's explore Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Fort Wagner, fought on July 18, 1863, was a significant engagement during the American Civil War, occurring near Charleston, South Carolina. Union forces aimed to capture Fort Wagner, a Confederate stronghold on Morris Island, to weaken Southern defenses and gain control of Charleston Harbor. The fort was heavily fortified with sand, earthworks, and artillery, making it a formidable target.

Prior to the battle, Union troops, including the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, a prominent Black unit, conducted an earlier assault on July 11, which failed. This set the stage for a second, more coordinated attack, led by Brigadier General Quincy Adams Gillmore, with the 54th Massachusetts playing a central role.

Today in American History: July 17th, 1898

Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!

Spanish troops surrender at Santiago de Cuba, effectively ending major hostilities in the Spanish-American War and setting the stage for Cuban independence.

Everyone knows about Teddy and his Rough Riders, but how much do you know about the rest of the Spanish-American War? Let's explore Background and Leadup:

By the late 19th century, Spain’s once-mighty empire was in steep decline, struggling to maintain control over its dwindling colonies, including Cuba and the Philippines. The Cuban independence movement, fueled by decades of brutal Spanish rule, gained momentum with uprisings like the Ten Years’ War (1868–1878) and the growing rebellion in the 1890s, which exposed Spain’s weakening grip. American imperial ambitions were rising, driven by a desire to expand influence and secure economic interests in the Caribbean and Pacific.

The U.S. public, stirred by sensationalist newspapers, sympathized with Cuban rebels fighting for freedom, viewing Spain as a cruel, outdated colonial power. American businesses, eyeing Cuban markets and resources, pushed for intervention, while leaders like Theodore Roosevelt saw a chance to flex U.S. military might. This convergence of Spanish decline, Cuban resistance, and American expansionism set the stage for conflict, with the U.S. poised to champion liberty and assert dominance.