Today in History: Passage of the Coinage Act of 1792
Unlike the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution prohibited paper money at both a Congressional and state level.
Today in History: Constitutionalist Pres. John Tyler Born
Today in 1790, future president of the United States John Tyler was born. Mockingly called “His Accidency” by his political rivals, Tyler’s strict devotion to the Constitution made him made enemies, including his own party. Former Mayor of New York Philip Hone wrote in 1842 that Tyler’s administration had consisted of “one year of the…
Today in History: Parliament Passes the Quartering Act
The act required the colonists to quarter British soldiers at “inns, livery stables, ale houses, victualing houses, and the houses of sellers of wine and houses of persons selling of rum, brandy, strong water, cider or metheglin.
Today in History: James Madison’s Birthday
On March 16 1751, James Madison was born. Born to a prestigious family, he built his political career upon his role in the inception of Virginia’s first republican constitution and his advocacy for the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom. Butting heads with Patrick Henry in the 1780s, he opposed funding for religious establishments in Virginia…
Today in History: The Boston Massacre, a Pivotal Step on the Road to Independence.
Today in history, Mar. 5, 1770, a violent incident unfolded on Boston’s King Street, where an agitated group of colonists swarmed around a group of British regulars. This came to be known as the “Boston Massacre.” After a group of Bostonians uttered insults, threw snowballs, and dared the British to fire, several soldiers ultimately fired…
Today in History: The Passing of “The Chancellor,” Robert Livingston
Today in 1813, Robert Livingston died. Known as “The Chancellor” for his position at the top of New York’s equity court, he became one of his state’s most influential politicians in an era of political upheaval. Born into the most prominent New York family, Livingston was destined to follow a legal background. He entered King’s…
George Washington’s Birthday
Here's an interesting story about how Washington actually has two dates for his birthday.
Today in History: Pres. Roosevelt Signs Executive Order for Internment Camps
Today in 1942, Franklin Roosevelt signed the infamous executive order 9066, authorizing the War Department to establish military zones that would serve as internment camps for Japanese and Italian Americans. In all, approximately 120,000 people were summarily rounded up and placed into captivity, separated from their families, homes, property, and livelihood for long lengths of…
Today in History: Massachusetts Becomes the 6th State to Ratify the Constitution
Massachusetts was the first state to ratify with a recommendation for future amendments. This paved the way for the same steps in states like New York and Virginia.
Today in History: James Otis, Jr. Was Born
Today in 1725, James Otis Jr. was born. Otis was a Massachusetts patriot who many considered indispensable to the cause of liberty. A fiery orator and fierce defender of traditional Whig principles, Otis’ role as a colonial agitator was truly pivotal. As America’s first whistleblower, he tirelessly argued against the writs of assistance and published…