#17: April 20-26

April 21, 1898 – The Spanish-American War Began

This short war was between the United States and Spain. It started after an American battleship, the USS Maine, mysteriously exploded in the harbor of Havana, Cuba. Many Americans believed Spain was responsible, so the U.S. joined the fight to help Cuba win its independence from Spanish rule. The war only lasted a few months, and the U.S. won.
Fun Fact: One of the most famous groups in this war was the Rough Riders, a group of volunteer soldiers led by Theodore Roosevelt—who later became president! Listen to Episode 64: The Story of Theodore Roosevelt

April 22, 1864 – “In God We Trust” First Appeared on Coins

During the Civil War, the phrase “In God We Trust” was first stamped onto a two-cent coin. Many Americans wanted to show their trust in God during a difficult time in the nation’s history. Today, the words can still be found on coins and paper money.
Fun Fact: The first coin to carry the phrase was the bronze two-cent coin—and it only lasted a few years before it was discontinued! If you want to learn more about the American Civil War, you might want to check out the Civil War course which contains learning resources for 14 podcast episodes centered around that war!

April 24, 1800 – The Library of Congress was created

President John Adams signed a law that created the Library of Congress to help lawmakers have access to books and research. What started as a small collection of books is now the largest library in the world, with millions of books, maps, and even movies!
Fun Fact: The Library of Congress holds more than 170 million items—and yes, some of them are even comic books! I recently created a podcast about Dolley Madison, the wife of John Adams! You can listen to Episode 149: Dolley Madison Saves a Painting HERE!

April 25, 1901 – New York becomes the first U.S. state to require license plates

In the early 1900s, cars were still brand new inventions! New York became the first state to require people to put license plates on their vehicles so they could be identified. Back then, people even had to make their own plates using metal, wood, or leather!
Fun Fact: The very first license plates didn’t have numbers—just the driver’s initials!

April 26, 1865 – A Wild Chase Ends

After President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, the country was heartbroken. The man responsible, John Wilkes Booth, ran from the law and hid for 12 days. On April 26, he was finally found in a barn in Virginia, where he refused to surrender.
Fun Fact: Booth was a famous actor before the assassination, which helped him trick people as he traveled in disguise.