Government
Indiana Becomes 19th U.S. State
On December 11, 1816, Indiana was admitted to the Union.
Illinois Becomes the 21st State
On December 3, 1818, President James Monroe signed legislation admitting the state of Illinois to the Union.
Oklahoma Becomes 46th State
On November 16, 1907, Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory were merged to create the state of Oklahoma.
FDR Elected to Record Fourth Term
On November 7, 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first and only U.S. President elected to a fourth term.
Jefferson Davis Elected Confederate President
On November 6, 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected the first and only president of the Confederate States of America.
America’s First Female Governor Elected
On November 4, 1924, Wyoming elected Nellie Tayloe Ross America’s first female governor, again proving its nickname, “The Equality State.”
Washington, D.C. Residents Vote in Their First Presidential Election
Though the District of Columbia has served as our nation’s capital since 1791, its residents didn’t get to vote in their first presidential election until November 3, 1964.
Library of Congress Opens to the Public
On November 1, 1897, America’s Library of Congress opened its doors.
Ronald Reagan Enters National Politics
On October 27, 1964, Ronald Reagan delivered his “A Time for Choosing” speech for Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign, making him a national name.