On this day, the Georgia Colony reversed its original ban on slavery, officially legalizing the practice. Originally founded as a free colony, Georgia had resisted the use of enslaved labor, but economic pressures and demands from settlers led to this drastic shift. The decision aligned Georgia with the rest of the Southern colonies, setting the stage for its role in the plantation economy.
1749 – Georgia’s Controversial Decision: Slavery Becomes Legal
On this day, Benjamin Franklin embarked on a crucial mission to France, hoping to secure support for the American Revolution. His diplomatic skills and charm would prove vital in persuading the French to provide financial and military aid. France’s eventual alliance with the American colonies turned the tide of the war, playing a key role in securing independence from Britain.
1776 – Benjamin Franklin Sets Sail: A Secret Mission to France
For the first time in U.S. history, the popular vote played a significant role in a presidential election. Andrew Jackson won the most votes but failed to secure a majority, leading to a dramatic contingent election in the House of Representatives. In a controversial outcome, John Quincy Adams was declared the winner, setting a precedent for disputed elections in American politics.
1824 – A Presidential Election Like No Other: The Popular Vote Takes Center Stage
On this day, a brutal massacre unfolded in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, as white terrorists targeted and killed several Black citizens. The attack was part of a broader wave of racial violence aimed at suppressing Black political participation during Reconstruction. These acts of terror underscored the immense struggles faced by freed African Americans in their fight for civil rights and justice.
1868 – A Dark Day in Louisiana: White Terrorists Massacre Black Citizens
Once home to America’s most notorious criminals, Alcatraz prison reopened to the public as a historic site on this day. The National Park Service began offering guided tours, allowing visitors to walk the same halls that once held figures like Al Capone. The eerie island prison, famous for its dramatic escape attempts, remains one of the most visited landmarks in the U.S.
