3: In 1838, Frederick Douglass, orator and writer, escaped slavery by train disguised as a sailor. Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland, yet learned to read and write, a risky action for slaves during this time period. He is remembered as a great speaker and wrote three autobiographies, including The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave (1845) . Douglass saw the Civil War as a necessary cause in breaking the bonds of slavery as he stated, "Who would be free themselves must strike the blow...I urge you to fly to arms and smite to death the power that would bury the Government and your liberty in the same hopeless grave. This is your golden opportunity." Submitted by Sarah Wright, student, University of North Carolina Pembroke
4: In 1886, Apache leader Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona. Geronimo was the leader of the last formal American-Indian fighting force in the United States. To pioneers and settlers of the Southwestern United States, he was a murderer, but to the Apaches, Geronimo embodied the essence of Apache values - aggressiveness and courage. He is quoted for saying, "I was born on the prairies where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures." Submitted by Sarah Wright, student, University of North Carolina Pembroke
5: In 1774, the first Continental Congress met at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in response to the British Parliament's enactment of the Intolerable Acts in the American colonies. About fifty delegates represented all thirteen colonies expect Georgia. The meeting resulted in a petition to King George III of England, appealing to restore peace between the colonies and Britain. The Continental Congress also called for the colonies to boycott trade with Britain. Future meetings convened in 1775 and 1776, when the Congress gained support among the colonies for an independence movement from Britain, which resulted in the Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress was replaced by the Congress of the Confederation, which eventually became the present Congress of the United States. Submitted by Sarah Wright, student, University of North Carolina Pembroke
6: Television writer and producer Louis J. Hazam dies at the age of 72 in 1983. The cause of death is kidney and heart related. Hazam is well known for his biographical sketch of Vincent Van Gogh entitled, Vincent Van Gogh: A Self-Portrait, which won him the famous Peabody and Emmy Awards. Hazam also produced Shakespeare: Soul of An Age, The River Nile, and Michelangelo: The Last Giant. The extensive career led by Hazam recorded by a trail of awards including, Christopher Award, bronze award, first place documentary award, Venice Film Festival, Golden Gate Award, and San Francisco International Film Festival. Submitted by Amy Gore, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
7: In the year 1965 Hurricane Betsy struck the coast of Florida resulting in an estimated $14 million in damages in the Bahaman islands alone. Betsy was first sighted on August 23 in the Atlantic and remained a complex storm system until September 10. The eye of the storm alone spanned over 40 miles in diameter at its worst and dropped a torrential 11.8 inches of rain. The flooding put the entire island known as the Key of Biscayne under water and left eight people dead throughout the state of Florida. Submitted by Amy Gore, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
8: Physical Chemist Willard Frank Libby dies 1980 leaving behind a wife, Leonor Hickey, and twin daughters, Janet and Susan. Libby was most famous for his discoveries surrounding the use of natural carbon-14, which allowed the scientific world to determine the date of origin for many archeological artifacts. Libby’s work with radiocarbon dating won him the 1960 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. Libby also was awarded the Research Corporation Award, the Chandler Medal of Columbia University, the American Chemical Society Award for Nuclear Applications in Chemistry, the Elliot Cresson Medal of the Franklin Insititute, the American Chemical Society’s Willard Gibbs Medal Award, the Albert Einstein Medal Award, and the Day Medal of the Geological Society of America. Submitted by Amy Gore, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
9: The John F. Kennnedy Center for Performing Arts opens to the public in 1971. The center, which was erected in Washington, D.C., on the banks of the Potomac River, is a living memorial to the visionary efforts of President John F. Kennedy, who was silenced by assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. The Center’s muse was a firm advocate for humanities therefore the Kennedy Center has become an outlet for all the performing arts including, but not limited to, music, dance, and drama. The $70 million project has also allowed Washington to host an international forum for the likes of the Bolshei Opera and the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. Submitted by Amy Gore, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
10: Carter Braxton, famous for his tireless work as a patriot was born on September 10, 1736 in Newington, Virginia. Braxton was most famous for his role in the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He was also a member of the House of Burgesses from 1761until 1775. This Virginia colonial legislature helped resolve the 1765 Stamp Act, which Braxton strongly supported. Carter Braxton died on October 10, 1797 after fulfilling his last term in office. Submitted by Amy Gore, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
11: On this day in 1862, O. Henry, an American author famous for his short stories and surprise twist endings, was born in Greensboro, North Carolina. O. Henry, whose real name is William Sidney Porter, is one of; the most widely read American authors of short stories. A controversial writer, O. Henry created literary works outside the norm of classic literature and was condemned by critics as one who had no scruples or values about life, traits inherent in his various writings, which include "The Gift of the Magi," "The Four Million," and "The Trimmed Lamp." Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
12: Greatly upsetting the extremely traditional and conservative stance of America, the American Episcopal Church omitted the word "obey" from the traditional marriage vows in 1922, making a clear statement to America that women no longer considered themselves to be subordinate to men in duty and stature. This marked another victory for women's rights, a movement with such proponents as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Matilda Gage, three women who brought forth the "Declaration of the Rights of Woman" in Philadelphia on July 4, 1876. This was a famous speech that pushed for a woman's right to vote and her right for a fair trial, among others. The far-reaching effects of women's rights is felt even today, as women have advanced tremendously in American society, securing prestigious jobs, holding public office, owning land, and earning some degree of respect as equals with men. Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
13: In the midst of a tense battle in 1814, Francis Scott Key penned "The Star Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States of America. Amazed that the American flag was still flying over Fort McHenry after a brutal two day attack, Key wrote this poem while in a state of extreme ecstacy. Its adoption is credited to Judge Nicholson and Ferdinand Durang, Durang being the first person to sing the poem that was set to the tune of "Adams and Liberty", a popular song during the American Revolution. Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
14: On this day in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States of America after the assassination of William McKinley. Roosevelt was famous for making quick decisions on policies and documents that were passed to him, although some decisions may not have been the most desirable. Under his administration, Washington, D.C., came to world prominence and within the confines of the White House itself, there was a new respect and honor initiated. Although Roosevelt was one of the Rough Riders, friends of Roosevelt ranked him as one of the most generous and friendly of the U.S. Presidents up to that time. Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
15: On this day in 1789, James Fenimore Cooper was born in Burlington, New Jersey. He was the first American novelist to achieve an outstanding level of success among the population at large. Although his stories maintained tremendous popularity on into the early twentieth century, his audience today is practically nonexistent, even in the school system, of which his novels once received great attention. Once the premier American author, his works include The Spy, The Pioneers, and The Last of the Mohicans. Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
16: On this date in 1672 Anne Bradstreet died. She was one of the most influential female writers of her time. Bradstreet is most notably known for her work "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up" in America published in 1650. Submitted by Stephany Newberry, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
17: The Battle of Antiltan Creek took place on this day in history in the year 1862. It resulted in the highest number of American causalities during a single day in American history. The Union Army attempted to stop the Confederate Army from advancing the Civil War further north. Submitted by Stephany Newberry, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
18: On this day in 1947, the National Security Act was established. This act brought together the United States Armed Forces under the supervision of the newly established security of defense. It gave the security of defense control over the army, the navy, and the air force. Submitted by Stephany Newberry, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
19: On this day in history in 1957 the first underground nuclear testing explosion, called Ranier, took place in Nevada. The radioactive products of the explosion were confined to the testing area and were not released into the environment. It established the development of nuclear weapons testing. Submitted by Stephany Newberry, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
20: Fiorello La Guardia died of cancer on this day in 1947. As mayor of New York from 1933-1945 he worked closely with Franklin D. Roosevelt to encourage equal opportunities and for the advancement of state welfare. Submitted by Stephany Newberry, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
21: Television actor, Larry Martin Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1931. He starred as Captain (later Major) Anthony Nelson in the 'I Dream of Jeannie' series from 1965 to 1970, but became famous for his role in America's prime time soap opera 'Dallas' that aired from 1978 to 1991. Hagman played the role of John Ross Ewing, Jr., better known as J.R. and the question,"Who shot JR?" captured the American public for months as the show developed an almost cult like following. In addition to acting, Hagman worked as a director and producer for movies and other television shows. Submitted by Melissa White, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
22: In 1989, the coastal areas of South Carolina were ravaged by Hurricane Hugo. Winds up to 135 mph slammed into Charleston, S.C. moments after midnight. Damage was estimated into the billions as Hugo devoured the coast and moved north into North Carolina. Twelve people lost their lives in South Carolina and many more suffered extreme losses. Submitted by Melissa White, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
23: In 1838, the founder of the American Equal Rights Party, Victoria Claflin Woodhull was born in Homer, Ohio. Woodhull became a leading social reformer in her time and helped to lead the women's sufferage movement. She and her sister Tennessee moved to New York City in 1868 to pursue Victoria's vision of fame and fortune. With the help of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the sisters set up the first brokerage business run by women. Victoria and Tennessee Claflin, published their own weekly newspaper called Woodhull & Claflin's Weekly. Woodhull's paper supported female emancipation, abortion, and free love. Her accusations against Henry Ward Beecher, a minister who she proclaimed was practicing the free love she openly espoused, landed her in prison and though she was exonerated, the financial and physical expenditures took their toll on her. Shortly there after, Victoria moved to England and married a banker. Submitted by Melissa White, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
24: In 1896, F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in St. Paul Minnesota. At the early age of twenty-four, Fitzgerald published his first novel, This Side of Paradise. It was his novel The Great Gatsby that became a permanant marker for Fitzgerald's writing talents. Living hard and fast brought F. Scott Fitzgerald's life to an end at the early age of forty-four when he suffered a severe heart attack. Submitted by Melissa White, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
25: Perhaps one of the greatest writers in American history, William Faulkner was born on this day in 1897 to Cuthbert and Maud Butler Falkner. Born in New Albany, Mississippi, Faulkner was greatly influenced by the strong will of his mother and maternal grandmother. Faulkner created two families, the Snopes and the Sartoris and set them in the ficticious town of Jefferson in Yoknapatawpha County (a fictitious county). His work focused on the social lives of Mississippians from towns, cities, farms, black, white, rich, and poor. Early works like Sanctuary and many of his novels didn't sell well and the demand for them had all but disappeared by the 40's. Folks from Faulkner's own region had trouble trying to come to an understanding of how they felt about his works. Some felt proud of how the South played a pivotal role in the settings, history, and colloqialism for his novels, while others felt ashamed that Faulkner would drag up the poverty, defeat, and shame that plagued the south after the Civil War. Faulkner's writing, Intruder in the Dust, won the 1949 Nobel Prize for him. Submitted by Melissa White, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
26: In 1789, the Constitution mandated the establishment of post offices, and Congress made the U.S. Post Office a component of the federal government. The first postmaster general, Samuel Osgood of Massachusetts, was appointed by President George Washington on this date. Osgood appointed John White as postmaster for the Baltimore post office. White replaced Mary Katherine Goddard, who had been working in this position for fourteen years. Goddard appealed to President Washington, but to no avail. Submitted by Pat Daystar Dial, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
27: The Warren Commission, appointed by President Lyndon Banes Johnson seven days after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, released their report on this date in 1964. The commission was formed to investigate the assassination of Kennedy. The report concluded that the killer was 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald--self-styled Marxist and former U.S. Marine Corps private, and he acted alone. Despite the findings, speculation maintained that others were involved in the assassination; Kennedy had been the victim of a conspiracy by Cuba and the Soviet Union. Submitted by Pat Daystar Dial, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
28: Congress made sweeping changes in women's status in public policy and in law between years 1963 and 1976. The 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibited sex discrimination. Congress sent the Equal Rights Amendment in early 1970s to prohibit discrimination and to encourage equal opportunity for women. On this date in 1976, a bill authorizing admission of women to the three major services were to be intact by fall. Submitted by Pat Daystar Dial, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
29: Stan "The Man" Musial, who had been playing for the St. Louis Cardinals for 22 years, played his last game on this date in 1963. Musial was selected the Sporting News Major Player of the Year in 1946 and 1951. He was named Sportsman of the Year in 1957 by Sports Illustrated and Sporting News gave him the honor as Sportsman of the Decade for the decade between 1946 and 1956. He set 30 National League and 17 major league records. Musial played for the Cardinals his entire career. Submitted by Pat Daystar Dial, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
30: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1954 that segregating black and white pupils in separate public schools was unconstitutional. Arkansas resisted implementing the ruling, and on this date in 1957, the state received national attention when Governor Oval. E. Faubus tried to prevent the integration of Little Rock Central High School by dispatching the Arkansas National Guard to block the nine black students from entering the school. President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened by sending federal troops to Little Rock. Submitted by Pat Daystar Dial, student, University of North Carolina at Pembroke