Previous Day
Next day

    History in 16th Jul

  • Residence Act signed, making Washington D.C capital

    President George Washington signs the Residence Act into law, officially designating Washington, D.C. as the future capital of the United States. Washington D.C. was chosen during a compromise between Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, as Jefferson and Madison wanted a southern capital close to Virginia while Hamilton sought their political support for the Assumption bill.

    More »

  • Mary Todd Lincoln dies

    Former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln passes away in Springfield, Illinois, 17 years after her husband was assassinated. Lincoln suffered from severe depression, having buried her husband and all but one of her children, and was confined to an asylum by her eldest son, Robert.

    More »

Enjoy our work? Help us keep going.

Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.

Donate

© Copyright 1949-2024 American Heritage Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved. To license content, please contact licenses [at] americanheritage.com.

AMERICAN HERITAGE
Trusted Writing on History, Travel, and American Culture Since 1949