(Tuesday, March 8, 1864, at about 9:30 p.m.; during the American Civil War) — Union General Ulysses S. Grant arrived in Washington today unrecognized, but word quickly spread that he was in town, and he was warmly received at Willard’s Hotel.
Grant then proceeded to the weekly reception at the White House, where he met President Abraham Lincoln for the first time. In the East Room, Grant stood on a sofa so the cheering guests could see him.
(Wednesday, February 28, 1844, shortly after 4:00 p.m.) — U.S. President John Tyler barely escaped injury today when a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded as the ship was sailing on the Potomac River. Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and four others were killed.
Video: 'The Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC.'
(Thursday, February 12, 1914) — The groundbreaking for the Lincoln Memorial took place in Washington, D.C., today, the 105th anniversary of the late president’s birth. A year later on this date, the Memorial’s cornerstone was laid.
(Tuesday, February 9, 1864, afternoon; during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, escorted by artist Francis B. Carpenter, walked more than a mile today to Mathew Brady’s Washington studio, where he sat for several photographs, including a profile view later used on the Lincoln-head penny and another view for the five dollar bill.
Video: 'Woodrow Wilson's funeral'
(Wednesday, February 6, 1924) — Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States (1913-1921), was laid to rest today in the quiet peace of subterranean vaults in the National Cathedral. Wilson, 67, died Feb. 3, 1924, as a result of a stroke and other heart-related problems (click here to watch more video of today’s funeral).
Video: 'The Bronze Star Medal - BSM'
(Friday, February 4, 1944; during World War II) — The Bronze Star Medal, honoring “heroic or meritorious achievement or service,” was authorized today by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Video: 'Richard Nixon: State of the Union Address - Speech to the U.S. Congress (January, 27 1974)'
(Wednesday, January 30, 1984, 9:00 p.m. EST) — Declaring that “one year of Watergate is enough,” U.S. President Richard Nixon challenged Congress tonight in his State of the Union address to focus instead on solving the energy crisis and inflation. Continue reading Nixon vows to stay on job in State of Union address 40 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1974)
Video: 'President Reagan Announcing Candidacy for Reelection (Jan 29, 1984)'
(Sunday, January 29, 1984, 10:55 p.m. EST) — Declaring “our work is not finished,” U.S. President Ronald Reagan said in a paid political broadcast tonight that he will stand for re-election in 1984. Reagan, 72, also confirmed that Vice President George H.W. Bush will again be his running mate.
Video: 'State of the Union Address: Speech by President Clinton (1994)'
(Tuesday, January 25, 1994, 9:00 p.m. EST) — U.S. President Bill Clinton threatened in his State of the Union address tonight to veto any health care proposal that does not guarantee coverage for all Americans and he laid down a broad, unequivocal challenge to Congress to deliver his ambitious domestic agenda.
Video: 'State of the Union: President Reagan's State of the Union Speech - 1/25/84'
(Wednesday, January 25, 1984, 9:00 p.m. EST) — U.S. President Ronald Reagan declared in an election-year State of the Union address tonight that “America is back, standing tall,” and he sought constitutional power to trim spending and pare the federal deficit without raising taxes.
