#OTD in 1848, the East Coast learned that gold was discovered in #California. It triggered the largest migration in US #history. But while most would not strike it rich, California’s rapid growth in wealth & population led #Congress to fast-track its entry into the #USA in 1850.

#OTD in #history, 1833, Benjamin Harrison was born. During the Civil War, he helped save the Union his great grandfather had pledged to when he signed the Declaration of Independence. After the War, Harrison rose to become a #UnitedStates Senator before winning the #WhiteHouse.

#OTD in 1831, Nat Turner led the deadliest slave revolt in US #history. Slave states responded by restricting Blacks from gathering or learning to read & write, slaveholders called on #Congress to protect slavery, & abolition groups formed. The stage was being set for civil war.

#OTD in #History, 1978, #Congress passed the DC Voting Rights Amendment. It would've given #WashingtonDC full representation in Congress, the Electoral College, and the #USConstitution's amending process. But it was never approved by the 3/4 of the states needed for ratification.

#OTD in #history, 1819, Oliver Hazard Perry died at sea. The #USNavy officer became an icon after his victory at the Battle of Lake Erie ensured the #USA vital strategic control of the Great Lakes region in the War of 1812. For this, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

#OTD in #history, 1814, British troops stormed the #UnitedStates Capitol Building and set it ablaze—along with most public buildings in the city—during the War of 1812. It left the Senate chamber "a most magnificent ruin," yet a providential rainstorm had doused the blaze. #USA

#OTD in #history, 1916, the Organic Act established the U.S. National Park Service. The Bureau's purpose, which continues to this day, is "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wild life" and "leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

#OTD in #history, 1791, John Fitch received a patent from the #USA government for his steamboat invention. Fitch was the 1st to successfully test-run the invention—marking the 1st time steam power was harnessed for water transportation—later spurring economic & western expansion.

#OTD in #history 1918, fighting erupted between US & Mexican troops in the border town of Nogales, #Arizona. Fear of German espionage in #WW1 promulgated the tensions that helped spark the Battle of Ambos Nogales—leading to the 1st permanent border wall at the #USA-#Mexico border

#OTD in #history 1963, a quarter million Americans flooded the National Mall for the March on Washington. As keynote, #MLK—speaking on the steps of the #LincolnMemorial—delivered his “I have a Dream” speech, advocating for equality in front of our nation's great temple to freedom

The Society mourns the passing of longtime friend and supporter, former Congressman Bob Carr. After 18 years representing Michigan, Bob continued his passion for Congress as a lecturer on political science, a leader with USAFMC, and a partner with us. Thank you, Bob. Image: UCLA

#OTD in #history, 1786, Daniel Shays led a rebellion of farmers, veterans, & debtors that sent shockwaves across the #USA. Though in #Massachusetts, its cause was rooted in the failures of the Articles of Confederation: an imperfect government that inhibited a more perfect Union.

#OTD in #history, 1967, the Senate confirmed #ThurgoodMarshall to the #SupremeCourt. Denied admission to his local law school because of his race, Marshall embarked on a legal journey that saw him win 29 of 32 cases before #SCOTUS on behalf of equality and justice for the NAACP.

#OTD in #history, 1935, #Congress—reflecting on #WWI & growing tensions in Europe & Asia—passed the 1st of 3 Neutrality Acts to prevent the #USA from entering a costly conflict. It forbade export of “arms, ammunition, & implements of war” from US territory to a belligerent state.

#OTD in #history, 1864, #USA Gen. Sherman “knocked daylight through #Georgia” after a near 4-month siege of #Atlanta, forcing CSA Gen. Hood to evacuate. The war of attrition—and victory—opened the path for Sherman’s March to the Sea, capture of Savannah, and Lincoln's reelection.

Happy #LaborDay2024! For many, today marks the end of summer. But #DYK, historically, #LaborDay was a celebration, even protest, as “a workingman’s #holiday”? In fact, #Congress created the #USA Labor Day after the 1894 Pullman Strike that protested low wages and 16-hour workdays

#OTD in #history 1783, the #USA & #Britain signed the treaty granting our independence. It was a resounding coup as US land rights made it larger than any country in Europe. It also was a harbinger, for it again proved that the US had the world's foremost intellectual leadership.

#OTD in #history 1957, the #Arkansas Nat. Guard was called to prevent integration of #LittleRock Central HS. Eisenhower, though, sent troops to ensure students could attend. And as one knew, staying “became an obligation. I realized that what we were doing was not for ourselves.”

#OTD in #history, 1774, the First Continental #Congress assembled in #Philadelphia. There, Patrick Henry gave voice to a newfound sentiment: “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American.”

#OTD in #history, 1901, Pres. McKinley was fatally shot. It led #Congress to reassign the #SecretService to its modern role of protecting the #POTUS. Perhaps its hardest responsibility is doing so while balancing that uniquely American tradition: access to our elected officials.