Famous Americans

James Abbott McNeill Whistler was born on July 10, 1834, in Lowell, Massachusetts. A celebrated American artist, he’s best known for his painting many call “Whistler’s Mother.”

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in New York City, New York.  Horne was one of the great icons of the 20th century.  She spent over 70 years in the entertainment industry as an actress and jazz singer and was also an acclaimed civil rights activist. 

Esteemed statesman Henry Clay died on June 29, 1852, after nearly 50 years in politics. Nicknamed “The Great Compromiser,” he orchestrated several important government compromises in the years leading up to the Civil War.

Nurse Clara Louise Maass was born on June 28, 1876, in East Orange, New Jersey.  Maass’s participation in the Army’s Yellow Fever Commission claimed her life, but also contributed to the discovery of a treatment for the dangerous disease.

Artist Henry Ossawa Tanner was born on June 21, 1859, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He’s the first African American artist to have work included in the White House’s permanent collection.

On June 20, 1782, the United States adopted the Great Seal. It had taken six years, three committees, and the work of 14 men.

Olympic swimmer Helene Emma Madison was born on June 19, 1913, in Madison, Wisconsin.  “Queen Helene” won three gold medals at the 1932 Summer Olympics and broke multiple world records.

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.”

Journalist and writer John Hersey was born on June 17, 1914, in Tientsin, China. He accompanied the Army on several operations in World War II and is best remembered for his collection of stories from survivors of the bombing of Hiroshima.