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The Natchez Trace Post Route is Established
The Natchez Trace post route, following an old trail running from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi, is established by an Act of Congress. -
The Library of Congress is Founded
The United States Library of Congress is founded. -
Thomas Jefferson is Elected as President
Thomas Jefferson wins the Election of 1800 -
Thomas Jefferson is Inaugurated
Thomas Jefferson is inaugurated for his first term as President of the United States. -
Tripoli Declares War on the United States.
Tripoli Declares War on the United States. -
West Point, New York is Established
West Point, New York is established. Four months later, the United States Military Academy opens on July 4. -
Thomas Jefferson Gives His Second State of the Nation Address.
Thomas Jefferson gives his Second State of the Nation address to the House and Senate, focusing on peace in the European conflict and payment of the public debt. -
Ohio is Admitted to the Union
Ohio is admitted to the Union as the 17th U.S. state. -
The Louisiana Purchase
President Jefferson doubles the size of the U.S. with the Louisiana Purchase from Napoleon which was $15 million and paved the way for eastward expansion. -
New Jersey Abolishes Slavery
New Jersey becomes the last northern state to abolish slavery. -
Louis and Clark Begin Their Expedition
Louis and Clark begin their expedition. -
Thomas Jefferson is Re-elected
Thomas Jefferson wins reelection over Charles Pinckney with 162 to 14 Electoral College votes. -
The Michigan Territory is Established
The Michigan Territory is established. -
Fort Clatsop
Members of the Lewis and Clark expedition build Fort Clatsop, a log fort near the mouth of the Columbia River in present-day Oregon. -
A Second Exploratory Expedition Begins
A second exploratory expedition led by U.S. Army Lieutenant Zebulon Pike begins from Fort Bellefountaine near St. Louis. -
The Lewis and Clark Expedition Ends
The Lewis and Clark Expedition to map the northwest United States ends. -
Congress Passes an Act to Prohibit the Importation of Slaves
Congress passes an act that prohibits the importation of slaves into any port within the confines of the United States from any foreign land. It was to take effect on the 1st of January 1808. -
The First Practical Steamboat Journey Is Made
The first practical steamboat journey was made by Robert Fulton in the steamboat Clermont, who navigated the Hudson River from New York City to Albany in thirty-two hours, a trip of 150 miles. This becomes the first commercial steamboat service in the world. -
The Importation of Slaves is Outlawed
The importation of Slaves is outlawed, although people will continue to illegally bring them to America. -
The American Fur Company is Incorporated
John Jacob Astor incorporates the American Fur Company. -
James Madison is Elected as the 4th President of the U.S.
James Madison is elected as the 4th President of the United States, defeating Charles C. Pinckney. -
James Madison is Inaugurated
James Madison is inaugurated, succeeding Thomas Jefferson as President of the United States. -
The Pacific Fur Company is Formed
The Pacific Fur Company is formed by John Jacob Astor. -
Cumberland Road
The contract for the construction of Cumberland Road is designed or The National Road, as it would later be called, and now known as Rt. 40, measured 128 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Wheeling, West Virginia. -
The Battle of Tippecanoe
Indian warriors under the command of Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, are defeated by William Henry Harrison. -
James Madison Wants to Declare War on the U.K.
James Madison asks Congress to declare war on the United Kingdom. -
British Ships Raise a Blockade Against the U.S.
Before the vote about declaring war could be approved, British ships raise a blockade against the United States. -
Madison Signs the Declaration of War
Unaware of the blockade at the time, Madison signs the declaration after congress narrowly approves the war. While most Western states approve of the war, New England States don’t, including Rhode Island, which does not participate in the War of 1812. -
James Madison is Elected for a Secpnd Term
James Madison defeats De Witt Clinton in the U.S. presidential election, securing a second term as the United States engages in the War of 1812 by an Electoral College margin of 128 votes to 89. -
the Battle of York
During the Battle of York, American Troops raid and destroy the city but do not occupy it. -
The Battle of Stoney Creek
Americans lose the Battle of Stoney Creek to the British -
The White House Burns Down
Upon the occupation of Washington D.C., British forces burn down the White House -
The Battle of Lake Eerie
The American Navy win the abattle of Lake Eerie. This victory allows U.S. forces to take control of the majority of the Old Northwest and lake region. -
The Battle of Thames, Ontario
Winning the Battle of Thames, Ontario allows American forces to break the Indian allies of the English and secure the frontier of Detroit. -
The Battle of Lake Champlain
The U.S. Navy wins the Battle of Lake Champlain -
Francis Scott Key Writes the Star Spangled Banner
During the 25 hour bombardment of Fort Mchenry, Francis Scott Key writes the national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. -
The War of 1812 Ends
A peace treaty is signed between the British and American government at Ghent, bringing to an end the War of 1812. -
The Last Battle of the War of 1812
On the Chalmette plantation at New Orleans, British Troops, unaware of the Peace Treaty signed two weeks earlier, attack American forces in the last battle of the War of 1812. -
The First American Railroad Charter
The first American railroad charter is granted by the state of New Jersey to John Stephens. -
Indiana is Admitted as the 19th State
The territory of Indiana is admitted into the United States of America as the 19th state. -
James Monroe is Inaugurated
James Monroe is inaugurated as the President of the United States, succeeding James Madison. -
The Rush-Bagot Treaty
The Rush-Bagot treaty is signed which limits the amount of armaments allowed on the Great Lakes by British and American forces. -
The Construction of the Eerie Canal Begins
The construction of the Eerie Canal begins at Rome, New York. -
America Admits Mississippi as the 20th State
The United States of America admits its 20th state, Mississippi. -
Andrew Jackson and His Army Invade Florida
Andrew Jackson and his American army invade Florida in the Seminole War -
The Northern Boundary for the U.S. and Canada is Established
The northern boundary of the United States and Canada is established between the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom. -
Illinois is Admited into the Union
The state of Illinois is admitted to the Union as the 21 state. -
The Panic of 1819
the Panic of 1819, occurs, leading to foreclosures, bank failures, and unemployment. -
The Tallmadge Amendment
The Tallmadge Amendment is passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, stating that slaves would be barred in the new state of Missouri -
The Adams-Onis Treaty
The territory of Florida is ceded to the United States by Spain in the Adams-Onis Treaty. -
The Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise bill, passes in the United States Congress. This legislation allows slavery in the Missouri territory, but not in any other location west of the Mississippi River -
James Monroe is Elected to a Second Term
James Monroe wins in the election against John Quincy Adams by a rally of 231-1 -
Florida is Taken by the U.S.
Possession of the territory of Florida is taken by the United States after its purchase is completed with Spain. -
Florida Becomes a U.S. Territory
Florida becomes an official territory of the United States. -
Arikara Indian War Begins
Arikara Indian War begins as the U.S. Army engages in the first conflict with an Indian tribe in the western territories after the tribe had attacked a trapping party on June 1. -
The Monroe Doctrine
James Monroe announces the Monroe Doctrine, stating the policy that European intervention anyplace in the Americas is opposed and that he would establish American neutrality in future European wars, in a speech before congress -
The Republican Party is founded
The Republican Party is founded to oppose the Kansas-Nebraska act. -
The Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is established by the United States War Department. -
The Creek Indian Tribe Give Up Their Last Lands
In the state of Georgia, the Creek Indian tribe give up their last lands to the United States government and move west. -
John Quincy Adams is Inaugurated
John quincy Adams is Inaugurated as president of the United States -
"Gas Or Vapor Engine"
The internal combustion engine named the "Gas Or Vapor Engine" is patented by American Samuel Morey. -
Texas Settlers Attempt to Secede from Mexico
Group of Texas settlers make first attempt to secede from Mexico in the Fredonian Republic. Republic of Fredonia lasts one month, causes Mexican government to curb immigration from U.S. to region and increased dissatisfaction that leads to eventual Texas Revolution. -
The Treaty of Limits
The Senate ratifies the Treaty of Limits that establishes the Sabine River as the Mexican and United States border, in agreement with the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819. -
The Treaty of Limits Goes Into Effect
The Treaty of Limits with Mexico goes into effect. -
The First Passenger Railroad in the U.S. Begins
The first passenger railroad in the United States, the Baltimore and Ohio, begins. -
Andrew Jackson is Inaugurated
Andrew Jackson, now in the Democratic party, is inaugurated as President, -
The Typewriter is Invented
William Austin Burt, of the United States, invents and patents the typewriter, at the time called the typographer. -
The Mormon Church is Created
Joseph Smith organizes the Mormon Church -
The Indian Removal Act is Approved
The United States Congress approves the Indian Removal Act which leads to the Trail of Tears. -
Nat Turner Leads a Slave Rebellion
Nat Turner, a black slave, leads a slave rebellion in Southampton county, Virginia wheee he kills 57 white citizens. -
The Trail of Tears Begins
The trail of tears begins. -
The U.S. Congress passes a Compromise Tariff Act.
The United States Congress passed a compromise tariff act in response to South Carolina's objections. -
The Force Bill is Signed
The Force Bill is signed by President Andrew Jackson Which authorizes the use of troops to enforce the federal law in South Carolina if necessary. -
James Polk is Elected as President
Democrat James K. Polk defeats Henry Clay for president with 170 Electoral College votes to 105 for Clay. -
P.T. Barnum Behins His First Circus Tour of the U.S.
P.T. Barnum begins his first circus tour of the United States. -
The Battle of Gonzales
The Revolution of Texas begins with the Battle of Gonzales when Mexican soldiers try to disarm the people of Gonzales, but are resisted by local militia. -
The First Convention of the Whig Party
The first convention of the American Whig Party is held in Albany, New York. -
The Alamo
After a 13 day siege, Texans lose the Battle of the Alamo. -
The Battle of San Jacinto
Sam Houston leads the Texans to victory against Santa Anna and his army at the Battle of San Jacinto. -
The Specie Act
The Specie Act is issued by executive order of President Andrew Jackson. -
Martin Ban Buren is the next President
Martin Van Buren wins the Presidential election of 1836 against William Henry Harrison -
Martin Van Buren is Inaugurated
Martin Van Buren, as President, and Richard M. Johnson, Vice President, are inaugurated into office -
The Panic of 1837
The global economic crises known as the Panic of 1837 begins with the failure of New York City banks and unemployment which would reach record levels. -
A Law in Jackson, Mississippi allows women to Own Property
In Jackson, Mississippi, the first state law allowing women to own property is passed. -
William Henry Harrison is Elected as President
Martin Van Buren is defeated by William Henry Harrison in the Election of 1840 -
William Henry Harrison Dies
William Henry Harrison dies after being sworn into office only a month before -
The First Major Wagon Trail Begins
The first major wagon train headed for the northwest via the Oregon Trail begins with one thousand pioneers from Elm Grove, Missouri. -
The First Major Conflict of the Mexican War
The first major conflict of the Mexican War occurs north of the Rio Grande River at Palo Alto, Texas when United States troops under the command of Major General Zachary Taylor rout a larger Mexican force. -
I.S. Declares War on Mexico
The United States declares war on Mexico -
California Declares Independence from Mexico
The Republic of California declares independence from Mexico. -
American Troops Take Vera Cruz, Mexico
Twelve thousand American troops under the command of General Winfield Scott take Vera Cruz, Mexico after a siege. -
Gold is Discovered in California
James W. Marshall Discovers gold at Sutter's Mill in the town of Colona, California -
The Declaration of Sentiments
The Declaration of Sentiments calling for equal rights for women and men is signed by 100 men and women in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Seneca Falls, New York at the 1st Women's Rights Convention led by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. -
Zachary Taylor wins the presidential election of 1848
Zachary Taylor wins the presidential election of 1848. The first election held on the same date in every state. -
Millard Fillmore is Sworn into Office
After the death of Zackary Taylor, Millard Fillmore is sworn into office. -
The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 admits California as the 31st state, without slavery, and adds Utah and New Mexico as territories -
The First Worlds Fair
The United States of America participates in the opening ceremony of the first World's Fair in history -
Uncle Toms Cabin
Uncle Toms Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, is published. -
The Kansas Nebraska Act is passed
The Kansas-Nebraska act becomes law, allowing the issue of slavery to be decided by a vote of settlers. This established the territories of Kansas and Nebraska and would breed much of the rancor that culminated in the actions of the next years of "Bleeding Kansas." -
Quinault River Treaty
Quinault River Treaty between the United States and the Quinault and Quileute tribes of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington Territory cedes their lands to the United States. -
The dred-Scott decision
The United States Supreme Court rules in the Dred Scott decision, 6-3, that a slave did not become free when transported into a free state. -
James Buchanan is sworn into office
James Buchanan is sworn into office as the 15th President of the United States. -
Oregon is admitted to the Union
Oregon is admitted to the Union as the 33rd state. -
Abraham Lincoln is Elected as President
Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln is Elected as President -
South Carolina secede front he Union
In response to the election, South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union. -
Abraham Lincoln is Sworn Into Office
Abraham Lincoln is sworn in as president of the United States with Hannibal Hamlin as Vice President. -
Fort Sumpter is Bombarded
Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina harbor is bombarded for 34 hours by Confederate forces after the U.S. Army commander failed to evacuate, thus starting the four years of conflict and the U.S. Civil War. -
The first Battle of Bull run
The first Battle of Bull Run at Manassas, Virginia occurs with the repulsion of Union forces by the Confederacy. -
The homestead act
The Homestead Act is approved, granting family farms of 160 acres (65 hectares) to settlers -
Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issues the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, stating that all slaves in places of rebellion against the Federal Government would be free as of January 1, 1863. -
The Battle of Fredricksburg
General Ambrose Burnside begins the Battle of Fredericksburg when Union troops cross the Rappahannock River on pontoons -
The Dakota War Begins
The Dakota war that began in August between bands of Sioux and the U.S. government over late payments of annuities culminates in the jailing in Minnesota of over one thousand Dakota Sioux, and the hanging of thirty-eight in Mankato. It was the largest mass execution in U.S. history. -
The Battle of Gettysburg Ends
The Battle of Gettysburg ends after three days and proves to be the "high water mark of the Confederacy" and the last major push of Confederate forces into Union territory. -
The City of Vicksburg Surrenders
The city of Vicksburg surrenders to General Grant after a two month siege. -
The New York Draft riots
The New York draft riots kill about 1,000 people. Rioters protested the draft provision that allowed for money to be paid to get out of service. These payments would cease in 1864. -
The Gettysburg Address
President Lincoln gives the Gettysburg Address in Gettysburg. -
Union forces capture the Confederate Fort Harrison
Union forces, including black Union soldiers, capture the Confederate Fort Harrison, south of Richmond. This caused a Confederate realignment of their southern defenses.
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Abraham Lincoln is re-elected
Abraham Lincoln is re-elected -
Robert E Lee Surrenders to Ulysses S Grant
General Robert E. Lee, surrenders his 27,000 man army to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the four years of Civil War conflict. -
Abraham Lincoln is Assassinated
Abraham Lincoln is Assassinated at Fords Theater by John Wilkes Booth. -
The thirteenth Amendment
The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, takes effect. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is passed by Congress, the first federal law protecting the rights of African Americans. It is vetoed by President Johnson, but the veto overridden by Congress. -
The KKK Forms
The Klu Klux Klan forms secretly to discourage blacks from voting, issuing in a brutal and shameful era of terror and crime amid southern states -
Treaty of Cession
Secretary of State William H. Seward consummates the sale of Alaska to the United States from Russia for $7.2 million dollars, approximately two cents per acre, by signing the Treaty of Cession of Russian America to the United States. -
The impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson begins in the Senate.
The impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson begins in the Senate. Johnson was charged with violating the Tenure of Office Act by trying to remove the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton. The President is acquitted by one vote. -
Ulysses S Grant Becomes the 18th president
Republican Ulysses S Grant Becomes the 18th president of the United States -
Hiram Rhodes Revels is Saorn into office in the U.S. Congress
The first African-American to be sworn into office in the United States Congress, Hiram Rhodes Revels, a Republican from Mississippi takes his place in the United States Senate.
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The great Chicago Fire Starts
The great Chicago Fire Starts. The fire caused $196 million in damages. It burned 1.2 million acres of land, destroyed 17,450 buildings, killed 250 people, and left 90,000 homeless. -
Amnesty Act of 1872
Civil rights are restored to citizens of the South, except for five hundred Confederate leaders, with the passage of the Amnesty Act of 1872 and its signing by President Ulysses S. Grant. -
Susan B. Anthony illegally casts a ballot at Rochester, New York
Susan B. Anthony illegally casts a ballot at Rochester, New York in the presidential election to publicize the cause of a woman's right to vote. -
First successful train robbery
Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang engage in the first successful train robbery in the American West, taking three thousand dollars from the Rock Island Express at Adair, Iowa. -
The Women's Crusade of 1873-74 is started
The Women's Crusade of 1873-74 is started when women in Fredonia, New York march against retail liquor dealers, leading to the creation of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. -
The Bronx is Annexed
The Bronx is annexed by New York City. -
The Civil Rights Act, giving equal rights to blacks in jury duty Is passed by congress
The Civil Rights Act, giving equal rights to blacks in jury duty and accommodation, is passed by the United States Congress. It would be overturned in 1883 by the U.S. Supreme Court. -
The Black Hawk War Begins
The Black Hawk War begins and would rage from Illinois to Wisconsin through September. It would consequently lead to the removal of Sauk and Fox Indians west, across the Mississippi River. -
The Ordinance of Nullification
South Carolina convention passed the Ordinance of Nullification, which was against the institution of permanent tariffs. The state also, on this issue, threatened to withdraw from the union of the United States of America. -
The Cherokee Tribe is Forced to Give Up Their Lands
The Cherokee tribe is forced to cede lands in Georgia and cross the Mississippi River after gold is found on their land in Georgia, which results in the Treaty of New Echota.