Government
West Virgina Votes to Secede from Virginia
On October 24, 1861, the people of West Virginia voted to secede from the Confederate state of Virginia.
Sam Houston – President of Texas
On October 22, 1836, Sam Houston became the first elected president of the Republic of Texas.
John Jay Becomes First Supreme Court Chief Justice
On October 19, 1789, John Jay was sworn in as America’s first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
White House Cornerstone Laid
On October 13, 1792, the cornerstone of the White House was laid, though its exact location remains a mystery today.
Mexico Gains Independence from Spain
After more than a decade of fighting and over 20,000 casualties, Mexico officially gained its independence from Spain on September 27, 1821.
Signing of the U.S. Constitution
On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates from 12 states signed the U.S. Constitution, laying the groundwork of our nation’s government.
New York City Becomes America’s First Capital
On September 13, 1788, New York City was established as America’s first capital under the Constitution of the United States.
Treaty of Paris Ends Revolutionary War
After more than eight years of fighting, the American Revolutionary War came to and end on September 3, 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
U.S. Treasury Department Founded
In the wake of the American Revolution, Congress established the Treasury Department on September 2, 1789.