Art
Department of Justice Established
On June 22, 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law creating the U.S. Department of Justice.
New Hampshire Becomes 9th State
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire ratified the U.S. Constitution and was admitted to the Union.
West Virginia Becomes 35th State
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as the 35th state.
The First Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation (issued two years prior). The day the last American slaves were freed has become a holiday celebrated officially in 45 states.
America Declares War on Great Britain
Just 29 years after gaining independence, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world by declaring war on June 18, 1812, in what would become America’s “Second War of Independence.”
Battle of Bunker Hill
On June 17, 1775, American colonists inflicted heavy British casualties in their loss at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Lincoln Delivers House Divided Speech
On June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous House Divided Speech in Springfield, Illinois.
Arkansas Becomes 25th State
On June 15, 1836, Arkansas was admitted as the 25th state of the Union.
Continental Army Formed
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army, the precursor of the United States Army.