First Large Group of German Immigrant Arrive in Milwaukee
This week in Wisconsin history, nearly 800 German immigrants arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 15, 1839. By the 1850s, the German population reached 38,000 and would jump to 184,000…
Congress Votes George Washington as Leader of Continental Army
On this day in US history, the Continental Congress voted to appoint George Washington to command the colonies’ first official army on June 15, 1775. He had been managing his…
Scientists Discover Oldest Artwork Known in Americas
On this day in US history, scientists published what is believed to be the oldest known artwork in the Americas on June 12, 2011. An engraving was discovered on a…
NFL and AFL announce merger
On this day in US history, the rival football leagues, the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL), announced their plans to merge on June 8, 1966.…
The Circus Day Tornado
This week in Wisconsin history, the 9th deadliest tornado in US history, and the most dangerous to ever occur in Wisconsin, touched down on June 12, 1899. Known as the…
The Madison Free Library Opens
This week in Wisconsin history, the second public library in the state opened in Madison on May 31, 1875. Known as the Madison Free Library, it inherited much of its…
Dr. Heimlich first publishes his technique for rescuing choking victims
On this day in US history, the stop-choking technique invented by Henry J. Heimlich was published in the medical journal Emergency Medicine on June 1, 1974. The Heimlich maneuver involves…
Future President John F. Kennedy is born
On this day in US history, one of America’s most popular and universally loved presidents, John F. Kennedy, was born to a politically and socially prominent family in Brookline, Massachusetts,…
Andrew Jackson signs Indian Removal Act
On this day in US history, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law on May 28, 1830. The bill allowed the federal government to “negotiate” with Native…
Golden Gate Bridge Opens
On this day in US history, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge opened to the public after five years of construction on May 27, 1937. On opening day, otherwise known as…