Category: Today In History

837 – 15th recorded perihelion passage of Halley’s Comet 1807 – The U.S. Congress passed an act to “prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States… from any foreign kingdom, place, or country.” 1814 – Ludwig von Beethoven’s 8th Symphony in F premieres 1854 – Composer Robert Schumann saved from suicide attempt…

Isabella Goodwin 1562 – In Vassy, France, Catholics massacred over 1,000 Huguenots. 1781 – The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation. 1803 – Ohio became the 17th U.S. state. 1867 – Nebraska became the 37th U.S. state. 1869 – Postage stamps showing scenes are issued for 1st time 1872 – Yellowstone becomes the first national park 1907 – In New York, the Salvation Army opened an…

45 BC – The first leap year was recognized by proclamation of Julius Caesar. 1288 – Scotland established this day as one when a woman could propose marriage to a man. In the event that he refused the proposal, he was required to pay a fine. 1692 – Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba, an Indian servant were the…

211 – Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies at Eboracum while preparing to lead a campaign against the Caledonians. He is famously said to have given the advice to Caracalla and Geta, his quarrelling sons: “Be harmonious, enrich the soldiers, and scorn all other men” and left the empire in their control. By the end of…