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Period: to
1800-1876
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The Library of Congress Founded
It was created by President John Adams and is now the largest library in the entire world. It serves as the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and is used to research inquiries made by members of Congress. -
Thomas Jefferson Elected President
Thomas Jefferson is elected the 3rd president of the United States, tying electoral votes with Aaron Burr, but winning in a vote of the House of Representatives. It was the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another. -
The Louisiana Purchase
Jefferson purchased the territory of Louisiana for fifteen million dollars, essentially doubling the size of the U.S. At the time, all Jefferson intended to buy was New Orleans, but the French were in need of more funds so they sold the entire territory for a mere eighteen dollars per square mile. -
The War of 1812
It started when Britain tried to restrict U.S. trade and impress American Seamen. The British defeated Americans many times in the war, including burning the capital, Washington DC, but America defeated the British in New York, Baltimore, and New Orleans. The Treaty of Ghent ended the war on February 17, 1815. -
The Star Spangled Banner is Written
During the battle of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" originally as a poem as he witnessed the British invasion. -
The First Internal Combustion Engine
American, Samuel Morey, patents the internal combustion engine named the "Gas Or Vapor Engine." -
The Battle at the Alamo
The battle for the Alamo is waged in San Antonio, Texas when 3,000 Mexican troops under Santa Ana attack the mission and its 189 defenders. There is a thirteen-day battle, ending in Texas' loss and the majority dead. The following March, Texas announces its independence from Mexico. -
The California Gold Rush
Gold was discovered in California by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in the town of Colona. Then months later, on August 19, the New York Herald publishes the news of the gold rush to East Coast readers, prompting eighty thousand prospectors to flood California and the Coast of San Francisco in 1849. -
Abraham Lincoln Inaugurated
The first inauguration of Lincoln as the 16th president was held at the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol Building. Between Lincoln's election and inauguration, seven southern states seceded.