Today In History
5 Fun Facts About February 27 In Pennsylvania History
1. The Battle of Moorefield: On February 27, 1865, Confederate forces under General Rosser attacked Union forces under General Mulligan in Moorefield, West Virginia, which is now part of Virginia. The Union troops were able to hold their ground and forced the Confederates to retreat, which helped pave the way...
5 Fun Facts About February 26 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1863, the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed the Militia Act, allowing Governor Andrew Curtin to call forth the state militia to defend against Confederate invasion during the Civil War. 2. In 1913, the first Little League baseball game was played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. 3. In 1966, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was...
5 Fun Facts About February 25 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1861, just weeks before the start of the Civil War, Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin authorized the creation of the 25th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which would go on to serve in many major battles, including Antietam, Gettysburg, and Appomattox. 2. On February 25, 1927, Pennsylvania native and aviation...
5 Fun Facts About February 24 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1822, the Pennsylvania State Legislature approved the incorporation of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), the first art museum and school in the United States. 2. In 1885, the first commercial electric power station in the United States began operation in Philadelphia. The station, built by...
5 Fun Facts About February 23 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1864, Pennsylvania's own General George G. Meade was promoted to the rank of major general in recognition of his successful leadership of Union forces during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. 2. On February 23, 1927, the iconic "Honeymoon Bridge" spanning the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario...
5 Fun Facts About February 22 In Pennsylvania History
1. George Washington's Birthday: February 22 marks the birthday of the first president of the United States, George Washington. He was born in 1732, and his contributions to the country and his leadership are celebrated every year on this day. 2. Statehood for Pennsylvania: On February 22, 1787, the United...
5 Fun Facts About February 21 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the United States Constitution. This historic event took place on February 21, making it an important day for Pennsylvania and the entire country. 2. In 1878, the first telephone exchange in Pennsylvania was established in Pittsburgh. This technological breakthrough allowed...
5 Fun Facts About February 20 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1820, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to expel Representative George Kremer for his involvement in a dispute over the presidential election of 1824. Kremer accused Secretary of State John Quincy Adams of making a "corrupt bargain" with Henry Clay to win the election. His expulsion marked the...
5 Fun Facts About February 19 In Pennsylvania History
1. On February 19, 1861, a special election was held in Pennsylvania to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Simon Cameron, who had been chosen to serve in President Abraham Lincoln's cabinet. The winner of the election was abolitionist Republican David Wilmot, who had authored the Wilmot Proviso, a...
5 Fun Facts About February 18 In Pennsylvania History
1. On February 18, 1735, Pennsylvania founder and politician William Penn died. Penn had established the colony of Pennsylvania as a haven for religious freedom and tolerance, and his legacy continues to influence the state to this day. 2. In 1861, the Pennsylvania General Assembly authorized the formation of the...
5 Fun Facts About February 17 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1801, Lancaster, Pennsylvania became the capital of the United States for one day when President Thomas Jefferson and his cabinet moved there after a smallpox outbreak in Washington D.C. 2. On February 17, 1922, the iconic Liberty Bell was damaged during a test ringing at Independence Hall in...
5 Fun Facts About February 16 In Pennsylvania History
1. On February 16, 1945, the Battleship USS Pennsylvania returned to the United States after serving in the Pacific theater during World War II. The ship had sustained damage during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 but had been repaired and continued to serve until the end of the...