Patriot Day and National Day of Prayer and Remembrance

 Events
Sep 112024
 

September 11Patriot Day and National Day of Prayer and Remembrance is today. The United States was attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists on this day in 2001. The terrorists commandeered four passenger planes. They crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City and one plane into the Pentagon. The fourth airplane, destined for Washington, DC, crashed into western Pennsylvania. It appears the passengers tried to regain control of the aircraft. More than 3,000 people died in the attacks. The country responded by attacking possible Al Qaeda cells and other terrorist groups. Security within the country became more stringent.  An excellent source of information for children is Dennis Brindell Fradin’s September 11, 2001, published by Marshall Cavendish.

Double-Decked Steamboat Arrived in New Orleans for the First Time in 1816

 Events
Oct 072024
 
Steamboats in 1850

Steamboats but not the Washington

Double-decked steamboat arrived in New Orleans for the first time in 1816. The Washington traveled between New Orleans and Louisville. It traveled upstream at 16 miles per hour and downstream at 25 miles per hour. This first steamboat was so successful that many others followed. By 1850 about 740 steamboats, transporting three million people annually, traveled on the Mississippi River. Older children could read a great history of double-decked steamboats at: Double-Decked Steamboats.

Happy Birthday, Washington!

 Events
Nov 112024
 

Washington Apples?

Washington State Flag

Washington Flag

Washington became the forty-second state of the United States in 1889. Mountains split the state into two distinctive parts. The western portion receives abundant rainfall, while the eastern part is very dry. Its nickname is the Evergreen State, and Olympia is the capital. Washington is the eighteenth largest state, and it is 25th in population. Attractions include Mount St. Helens National Monument and Mount Rainier National Park. Children can learn more at: Washington. Washington is known for its apples. Consider finding various types of apples. Slice them and serve. Children can compare texture, sweetness, and taste.

Capitol Building Opened in 1800

 Events
Nov 172024
 

Congress met in session for the first time in the Capitol Building in 1800. Interesting fact – the Capitol Building on Sundays was used as a house of worship until the Civil War. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison attended services there. Children could visit the government website. The site offers some virtual tours and excellent links: Capitol Building.

Washington Monument Was Completed in 1884

 Events
Dec 062024
 
Wash Monu

Washington Monument and Earthquake Repairs

Washington Monument was completed in 1884. The monument’s cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, and building began. However, lack of funding and the Civil War stopped work. On August 2, 1877, Congress authorized the funds to complete the monument. It was completed on this day in 1884 and dedicated in 1885. Children can learn more at: Washington Monument.

 Older Entries