#47 November 16-22

November 16, 1907 – Oklahoma became the 46th U.S. state.

On November 16, 1907, something exciting happened—the United States got a brand-new state! Oklahoma became the 46th state in the country. Before that, the land was known for wide-open prairies, Native American nations, and brave settlers who worked hard to build communities. When Oklahoma joined the U.S., it added new people, new stories, and lots of new adventures to the nation. Fun fact: The state animal of Oklahoma is the American buffalo, and you can still find them roaming in some parks today!

November 18, 1928 – Mickey Mouse makes his debut!

On November 18, 1928, a little cartoon character with big round ears and an even bigger smile made his first appearance on screen—Mickey Mouse! His debut cartoon, Steamboat Willie, amazed audiences because it was one of the very first cartoons with synchronized sound. Mickey quickly became a star, bringing laughter, music, and adventure to kids all around the world. Fun fact: Mickey Mouse’s original name was almost “Mortimer Mouse”—until Walt Disney’s wife suggested “Mickey,” which she thought sounded friendlier! Listen to Episode 164: The Story of Charles Schulz and the Peanuts Gang ( the story of another famous cartoon!)

Nov 18, 1963 – The first push-button telephones

On November 18, 1963, making a phone call got a whole lot easier! That’s the day the first push-button telephones were introduced. Before this, people had to turn a round dial to call someone—a process that took much longer. The new push-button phones used simple number buttons, which made calling faster and more fun. This invention helped pave the way for the phones we use today! Fun fact: The very first push-button phones had 10 buttons—1 through 9 and 0—but they didn’t have the * or # keys yet. The telephone was an amazing invention! Listen to another invention story here! Episode 112: The Brilliant Life of Thomas Edison.

November 19, 1863 – Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address

On this day in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln gave a very famous speech called the Gettysburg Address. He spoke at a ceremony honoring soldiers who had fought in a big Civil War battle. His speech was short, but it was powerful! Lincoln reminded everyone that America was built on the idea that all people are created equal, and he encouraged the nation to stay strong and work together. Even though the country was going through a hard time, his words helped people feel hope and remember what they were fighting for. Fun Fact: The photographer at the event missed getting a clear photo of Lincoln giving the speech because it was so short—by the time he set up his camera, Lincoln was already sitting back down! Listen to Episode 115: Abraham Lincoln, Leader Extraordinaire!

Want to know more about the Civil War? Check out the Civil War Course!

November 20, 1789 – New Jersey becomes the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.

On this day in 1789, New Jersey became the very first state to approve the Bill of Rights! The Bill of Rights is a special list of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and it protects many important freedoms—like the freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and the right to practice any religion. When New Jersey voted “yes,” it helped make sure these rights would be guaranteed for everyone in the new nation. Other states followed soon after, but New Jersey was the one to lead the way! Fun Fact: The Bill of Rights was written on parchment, a kind of paper made from animal skin—much tougher than the paper we use today!