Indiana Becomes 19th U.S. State
On December 11, 1816, Indiana was admitted to the Union. While the young state initially struggled, it eventually grew to become the nation’s 17th most populous state!
American History
Eisenhower’s Atoms for Peace
On December 8, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his “Atoms for Peace” speech, introducing his goal of using nuclear power for peace.
“A Date Which Will Live In Infamy”
On December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers attacked American troops at Pearl Harbor, launching the US into World War II.
Happy Birthday Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782, in Kinderhook, New York. As America’s eighth president, his term in office was plagued with economic and foreign struggles, but he’s historians consider him fundamental in the development of America’s political system.
First Building in Chicago
On December 4, 1674, Father Marquette erected the first building in what would later become Chicago. He spent the winter there while on an exploratory journey through the region.
Birth of Artist Gilbert Stuart
On December 3, 1755, Gilbert Stuart was born in Saunderstown, Rhode Island Colony. A prolific American artist, he painted more than 1,000 people, including our first six presidents. Several of his portraits have appeared on US stamps – and even the $1 bill!
The Monroe Doctrine
On December 2, 1823, President James Monroe introduced the foreign policy doctrine that bears his name. Known as the Monroe Doctrine, it has served as the cornerstone of America’s foreign policy ever since, invoked by several presidents over the years.
Birth of Acclaimed Writer Mark Twain
On November 30, 1835, Samuel Clemens (known by his pen name, Mark Twain) was born in Florida, Missouri. Regarded as the father of American literature and the country’s greatest humorist, he also wrote what many consider the Great American Novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Birth of Eric Sevareid
Journalist and author Arnold Eric Sevareid was born on November 26, 1912, in Velva, North Dakota. After fearlessly reporting from the front lines during World War II, he went on to have a successful career in television news.