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Library of Congress founded
The Library of Congress of the United States is established. -
First to live in the white house
U.S. President John Adams is the first to dwell in the White House, then known as the Executive Mansion, and the United States Congress has its first session in Washington, D.C. sixteen days later. By December 6, he will be beaten for the presidency by Thomas Jefferson. -
3rd President
Thomas Jefferson is elected as the third President of the United States in a House of Representatives vote after tying Aaron Burr, his Vice President, in the electoral college with 73 electors due to a flaw in the original vote for two system, which would be corrected in the 12th Amendment to the Constitution. -
Ohio Admitted to the Union
Ohio becomes the 17th state to join the United States. -
The birth of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is born to carpenter Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks in a poor Hardin County, Kentucky log cabin. -
Battle of Tippecaneo
The governor of Indiana, William Henry Harrison, defeats Indian soldiers led by Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, known as the Prophet, in the Battle of Tippecanoe. -
Loss at Stoney Creek
Despite possessing three times the power of their British adversary, the Americans lose the Battle of Stoney Creek against a British army of 700 soldiers led by John Vincent. -
White house is burned down
During the War of 1812, British soldiers burn down the White House during their possession of Washington, D.C. This act, in revenge for the damage of Canadian public facilities by US forces, prompts President Madison to flee. The British march would be halted three weeks later, on September 12, by Maryland militia. Another US president, James Monroe, would have to wait three years before retaking the oath of office. -
Florida becomes a territory
Florida becomes on official territory of the United States -
John Quincy Adams inagurated as president
After the House of Representatives resolves the absence of an Electoral College majority, John Quincy Adams is inaugurated as President, with John C. Calhoun as his Vice President. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act, passed by the United States Congress, permitted the displacement of Indian tribes east of the Mississippi River. Although this legislation did not command their deportation, it did prepare the way for greater pressure on Indian tribes to sign land-exchange treaties with the United States government, paving the path for the Trail of Tears. -
Compromise of 1850
Senator Henry Clay's Compromise of 1850 recognizes California as the 31st state, without slavery, and adds Utah and New Mexico as territories with no resolution on the issue. The Compromise strengthens the Fugitive Slave Law while also abolishing the slave trade in the District of Columbia. -
Homestead Act
The Homestead Act is passed, awarding settlers family farms of 160 acres, much of which were created out of Indian areas. Two months later, on July 7, the Land Grant Act, which called for public land sales to support agricultural education, was passed. This measure eventually resulted in the formation of state university systems. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Homestead Act is passed, awarding settlers family farms of 160 acres, much of which were created out of Indian areas. Two months later, on July 7, the Land Grant Act, which called for public land sales to support agricultural education, was passed. This measure eventually resulted in the formation of state university systems. -
The Battle of Little Big Horn
Lt. Colonel George Custer and his 7th United States Cavalry confront the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians on the cliffs above the Little Big Horn River in the Battle of Little Big Horn. The combat results in the deaths of all 264 soldiers of the 7th Cavalry including Custer, making it the most comprehensive retreat in American military history.