December 1
Henry Ford's Implementation of the Moving Assembly Line - This Day in History
On December 1, 1913, Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the first moving assembly line, slashing car production time and changing history.
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Today in History
Every date on the calendar carries a piece of the American story — battles won, documents signed, inventions unveiled, and lives that changed the course of a nation. Stop by each day for the moments that made this date matter.
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December 2
President James Monroe Declared the Monroe Doctrine - This Day in History
On December 2, 1823, President James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine, a historic foreign policy shift that redefined America's role in the Western Hemisphere.
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December 3
Illinois is Admitted to the Union as the 21st State - This Day in History
On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st U.S. state — a milestone marking its journey from Native lands and prairie to agricultural and political powerhouse.
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December 4
General George Washington's Farewell at Fraunces Tavern - This Day in History
On December 4, 1783, George Washington bid farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern, setting a historic precedent for civilian leadership and republican ideals.
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December 5
Prohibition Ends as the 21st Amendment is Ratified - This Day in History
On December 5, 1933, the U.S. repealed Prohibition with the 21st Amendment, ending a controversial era and reshaping American society, law, and culture.
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December 8
U.S. Declares War Against Japan - This Day in History
On December 8, 1941, the U.S. declared war on Japan, marking its entry into World War II and the end of its isolationist stance.
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December 9
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" Premieres on CBS - This Day in History
A Charlie Brown Christmas aired on December 9, 1965 — redefining holiday TV with its sincerity, jazz score, and timeless message about the meaning of Christmas.
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December 10
Women Gained the Right to Vote in Wyoming - This Day in History
On December 10, 1869, Wyoming Territory became the first U.S. government to grant women full voting rights — a bold step that reshaped American democracy.
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December 11
Apollo 17 Landed on the Moon - This Day in History
On December 11, 1972, Apollo 17 landed in the Taurus–Littrow valley, marking the last time humans set foot on the Moon and the apex of lunar exploration.
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December 12
The U.S. Capital Was Moved to Washington, D.C. - This Day in History
On December 12, 1800, Washington, D.C. became the official capital of the United States — a symbolic move that defined the nation's political identity.
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December 15
Gone with the Wind Premieres - This Day in History
On December 15, 1939, Gone with the Wind premiered in Atlanta with Hollywood grandeur and deep historical contradictions that defined its legacy.
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December 16
The Boston Tea Party - This Day in History
On December 16, 1773, colonists protested British rule by destroying tea shipments in Boston Harbor, igniting a revolution that changed American history forever.
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December 17
The Wright Brothers Achieved the First Powered Flight - This Day in History
On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers made history at Kitty Hawk with the first powered airplane flight, forever changing how humanity connects with the skies.
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December 18
The 13th Amendment was Officially Ratified - This Day in History
On December 18, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery in the U.S. and marking a turning point in the nation's pursuit of justice and freedom.
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December 19
President Bill Clinton Was Impeached - This Day in History
On December 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives, triggering a historic debate on law, leadership, and presidential accountability.
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December 22
President Barack Obama Signs 'Don't Ask' Repeal Act Into Law - This Day in History
President Obama’s 2010 signing of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act ended a 17-year ban on openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual service in the U.S. military.
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December 23
President Woodrow Wilson Signed the Federal Reserve Act - This Day in History
On December 23, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act, creating the central banking system that transformed U.S. financial policy.
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December 24
The First-Ever Christmas Eve Midnight Mass Was Televised From St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC - This Day in History
On Christmas Eve 1948, Midnight Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral was broadcast live, marking a pivotal moment in religious media and Christmas tradition.
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December 25
George Washington Crosses the Delaware - This Day in History
On December 25, 1776, George Washington led the daring crossing of the Delaware River, a bold move that changed the course of the American Revolution.
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December 26
TIME Magazine Names Computer As "Man of the Year" - This Day in History
In 1982, Time magazine named the personal computer its “Machine of the Year,” recognizing the growing cultural and technological impact of home computing.
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December 29
Texas Officially Becomes the 28th State - This Day in History
On December 29, 1845, Texas joined the United States as the 28th state, ending its time as an independent republic and triggering lasting national consequences.
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December 30
The Gadsden Purchase Treaty Was Signed - This Day in History
On December 30, 1853, the U.S. and Mexico signed the Gadsden Treaty, transferring land that shaped the modern Southwest and secured a key railroad route.
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December 31
The First Annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop Took Place in Times Square - This Day in History
On December 31, 1907, the first Times Square ball drop took place, launching a New Year’s Eve tradition that would grow into a global cultural phenomenon.
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August 21, 1793 · Added Aug 21, 2026
Yellow Fever Breaks Out in Philadelphia
By fall 1793, about 5,000 people had died in the nation's temporary capital, and President Washington and other federal officials fled the city as deaths hit 100 a day.
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August 20, 1945 · Added Aug 20, 2026
Tommy Brown Becomes Youngest to Hit MLB Home Run
At 17 years and 257 days old in 1945, Brown homered off Preacher Roe in an 11-1 Dodgers loss, setting a record that still stands more than 80 years later.
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August 19, 1909 · Added Aug 19, 2026
First Race Is Held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
On August 19, 1909, Louis Schwitzer won a five-mile race at 57.4 mph, but the crushed-rock track broke apart and killed drivers, mechanics, and spectators.
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August 18, 1590 · Added Aug 18, 2026
Roanoke Colony Found Deserted
When John White reached Roanoke in 1590, all 100 colonists—including his granddaughter Virginia Dare—were gone, with only the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post.
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August 17, 1978 · Added Aug 17, 2026
Hot Air Balloon Crosses the Atlantic
For 119 years, 17 attempts failed and at least seven balloonists died before three Americans crossed in six days on hot dogs and canned sardines in 1978.
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August 14, 1935 · Added Aug 14, 2026
FDR Signs Social Security Act
On August 14, 1935, FDR signed the law creating old-age benefits funded by payroll taxes, born from a Depression that had wiped out the savings of older Americans.
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