Pencils with erasers
Pencil with eraser was patented in 1858 by Hymen Lipman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received Patent Number 19,783. About two billion pencils are produced each year. The pencil “lead” is really a form of graphite.
Minnesota State Flag
Minnesota became the thirty-second state of the United States in 1858. Its name is derived from the Sioux word minisota, meaning sky-tinted waters. It was settled by the French looking for furs. Its nicknames are the North Star State and the Gopher State. Minnesota is the twelfth largest state, and it ranks 21st in terms of population. Minnesota has over ten thousand lakes, and the Mesabi Range produces about 60 percent of the country’s iron ore. Children could learn more at: Minnesota.
Lincoln-Douglas debates began in 1858. The seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas provided the voters of Illinois a chance to evaluate the candidates for a senate seat. The last debate was held in Alton, Illinois, on October 15, 1858. Although Lincoln lost the election, he became more known nationally. Older children can read transcripts of the speeches at: Lincoln-Douglas Debates.
John Brown
John Brown and his party raided the United States arsenal in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia in 1859. Their goal was to end slavery. He and 21 followers captured 60 citizens and the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry. However, the military quickly responded. Within days he was captured, and he was hanged on December 2, 1859. Children could learn more at: John Brown.