April 30, 1789: George Washington Becomes the First President On this day in 1789, George Washington was inaugurated in New York City as the first president of the United States of America. At Federal Hall, New York Chancellor Robert Livingston swore him into office. Washington recited these words from the Constitution: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Although it was not in the script, he went ahead and added, “So help me God.” In every presidential inauguration since then, every president has followed tradition and repeated those same last four words. Celebrate this moment by reading George Washington’s inaugural speech. Image: George Washington, full-length portrait, standing on bunker c.1839 (Library of Congress)
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April 30, 1789: George Washington Becomes the First President

On this day in 1789, George Washington was inaugurated in New York City as the first president of the United States of America. At Federal Hall, New York Chancellor Robert Livingston swore him into office.

Washington recited these words from the Constitution:

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Although it was not in the script, he went ahead and added, “So help me God.” In every presidential inauguration since then, every president has followed tradition and repeated those same last four words.

Celebrate this moment by reading George Washington’s inaugural speech.

Image: George Washington, full-length portrait, standing on bunker c.1839 (Library of Congress)

August 27, 1908:  Birth of Lyndon B. Johnson On this day in 1908, former president Lyndon B. Johnson was born in Stonewall, Texas.  He succeeded to the presidency after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. As president, LBJ was responsible for designing the “Great Society” legislation that included laws upholding civil rights, public broadcasting, Medicare, and Medicaid.  It was his advocacy for American involvement in the Vietnam War that eventually cost him his popularity and the possibility of reelection. Watch this American Experience documentary about the legacy of the late president Lyndon B. Johnson. Photo: Library of Congress
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August 27, 1908:  Birth of Lyndon B. Johnson

On this day in 1908, former president Lyndon B. Johnson was born in Stonewall, Texas.  He succeeded to the presidency after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963.

As president, LBJ was responsible for designing the “Great Society” legislation that included laws upholding civil rights, public broadcasting, Medicare, and Medicaid.  It was his advocacy for American involvement in the Vietnam War that eventually cost him his popularity and the possibility of reelection.

Watch this American Experience documentary about the legacy of the late president Lyndon B. Johnson.


Photo: Library of Congress

Source: to.pbs.org

August 18, 1774:  Birth of Meriwether Lewis On this day in 1774, American explorer Meriwether Lewis was born in the Colony of Virginia.  Lewis was best known for his role as co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (a.k.a. the Corps of Discovery). The Lewis and Clark Expedition contributed to the expansion of the United States and the understanding of indigenous nations and terrain of the far west. Can you tell Lewis from Clark?  Test your knowledge of major figures of the time period with this “Who’s Who in the West” quiz.
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August 18, 1774:  Birth of Meriwether Lewis

On this day in 1774, American explorer Meriwether Lewis was born in the Colony of Virginia.  Lewis was best known for his role as co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (a.k.a. the Corps of Discovery).

The Lewis and Clark Expedition contributed to the expansion of the United States and the understanding of indigenous nations and terrain of the far west.

Can you tell Lewis from Clark?  Test your knowledge of major figures of the time period with this “Who’s Who in the West” quiz.

Source: to.pbs.org

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