United States Timeline

Chronological History Of The United States

1000 A.D.- Leif Ericson, a Norse seaman, explores the east coast of North America and sights Newfoundland, establishing a short-lived settlement there.
Aug. 3, 1492 - Christopher Columbus sets sail to find a westward route to the east.
Oct. 12, 1492 - Christopher Columbus is the 1st European to set foot on the New World (in what is now the Dominican Republic).
Apr. 2, 1513 - Juan Ponce DeLeon establishes the 1st colony in what is now the United States (St. Augustine, Florida).
Dec. 20, 1606 - Virginia Company settlers left London to establish the first permanent English settlement in North America.
May 14, 1607 - The first permanent English settlement in what is now the United States is established at Jamestown, Virginia.
Dec. 4, 1619 - The 1st Thanksgiving is celebrated.
May 9, 1689 - Britain declares war on France.
May 24, 1689 - English Parliament guarantees freedom of religion for Protestants.
Jul. 25, 1689 - France declares war on Britain.
Dec. 16, 1689 - English Parliament adopts a Bill of Rights.
Feb. 28, 1704 - French/Indian forces destroy Deerfield, Massachussetts.
Jan. 28, 1712 - American forces attack the Tuscarora Indians during the Tuscarora Indian War.
Sep. 2, 1752 - Britain and the colonies under its control adopt the Gregorian calendar.
Mar. 5, 1770 - British troops fire on a rock throwing crowd (known as "The Boston Massacre").
Jun. 9, 1772 - The 1st naval Battle of the American Revolution off the coast of Rhode Island.
Dec. 16, 1773 - The "Boston Tea Party" takes place as residents disguised as indians throw crates of tea into Boston Harbor.
Jun. 2, 1774 - Martail Law is declared in Massachussetts.
Oct. 26, 1774 - The Minute Men are established in America.

The Revolutionary War

Apr. 19, 1775 - The Revolutionary War officially begins with the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
May 10, 1775 - American forces take the British fort at Ticonderoga, New York.
Jun. 12, 1775 - 2nd naval Battle of the American Revolution takes place.
Jun. 14, 1775 - The Continental Army is established by the Continental Congress.
Jun. 15, 1775 - George Washington is appointed to Commander-in-Cheif of the Continental Army.
Jun. 17, 1775 - British troops win the Battle of Breed's Hill.
Aug. 22, 1775 - King George III officially declares a state of open rebellion in the American colonies.
Nov. 28, 1775 - The Continental Navy is established by the Continental Congress.
Dec. 22, 1775 - Esek Hopkins is appointed to Commodore of the Navy.
Jul. 4, 1776 - The United States declares its Independence from Britain (by apporving the Declaration of Independence).
Sep. 6, 1776 - The first submarine, the Turtle, is used in Battle in New York Harbor.
Dec. 25, 1776 - American forces cross the Deleware River and attack British forces at Trenton.
Sep. 19, 1777 - American forces win the 1st Battle of Saratoga.
Dec. 7, 1777 - The 2nd Battle of Saratoga begins.
Dec. 17, 1777 - American forces win the 2nd Battle of Saratoga.
Jan. 5, 1778 - Naval mines are used for the 1st time by the Continental Navy.
Feb. 5, 1778 - South Carolina is the 1st State to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
March 1, 1781 - Maryland to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
May 4, 1778 - The Continental Congress ratifies the Treaty of Alliance with France.
Jul. 9, 1778 - The Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation.
Jul. 21, 1778 - North Carolina to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
Jul. 22, 1778 - Pennsylvania to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
Jul. 24, 1778 - Georgia to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
Aug. 7, 1782 - Gen. George Washington creates the Order of the Purple Heart (for soldiers wounded in battle).
Aug. 8, 1778 - New Hampshire to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
Jan. 30, 1781 - Maryland is the 13th State to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
Oct. 19, 1781 - American/French forces win the Battle of Yorktown.
Nov. 5, 1781 - John Hanson is elected the 1st President of the United States by the Continental Congress.
Nov. 26, 1778 - New Jersey to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
May 5, 1779 - Deleware to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
Sep. 3, 1783 - The Treaty of Paris 1783 is signed by Britain and the United States, officially ending the Revolutionary War as the United States is recognized as a sovereign nation.

The New Nation

Sep. 3, 1783 - The United States gains what is currently Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia as a result of the Treaty of Paris 1783.
Nov. 2, 1783 - The Continental Army is disbanded.
Aug. 8, 1786 - The Continental Congress adopts the "Dollar" and decimal coinage.
Feb. 21, 1787 - The Continental Congress adopts a resolution calling for a convention of state delegates to draw up a change to the Articles of Confederation.
May 17, 1787 - Delegates begin meeting in Philadelphia to draw up a change to the Articles of Confederation.
May 25, 1787 - George Washington is elected President of the Philadelphia convention.
Sep. 17, 1787 - The delegates at the Philadelphia convention approve the Constitution and sends it to the Continental Congress.
Sep. 28, 1787 - The Continental Congress sends the new Constitution to the states for ratification.
Oct. 27, 1787 - The 1st of the Federalist Papers is published in a New York newspaper, calling for a Bill of Rights (written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay).
Dec. 7, 1787 - Deleware is the 1st state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 2,397 sq. miles Capital - Dover 2000 Population -

Dec. 12, 1787 - Pennsylvania is the 2nd state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 45,759 sq. miles Capital - Harrisburg 2000 Population -

Dec. 18, 1787 - New Jersey is the 3rd state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 8,215 sq. miles Capital - Trenton 2000 Population -

Jan. 2, 1788 - Georgia is the 4th state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 58,977 sq. miles Capital - Atlanta 2000 Population -

Jan. 9, 1788 - Connecticuit is the 5th state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 5,544 sq. miles Capital - Hartford 2000 Population -

Feb. 6, 1788 - Massachussetts is the 6th state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 9,241 sq. miles Capital - Boston 2000 Population -

Apr. 28, 1788 - Maryland is the 7th state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 12,297 sq. miles Capital - Annapolis 2000 Population -

May 23, 1788 - South Carolina is the 8th state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 31,189 sq. miles Capital - Columbia 2000 Population -

Jun. 21, 1788 - New Hampshire is the 9th state to ratify the Constitution.

	Area - 9,283 sq. miles Capital - Concord 2000 Population -

Jun. 21, 1788 - The United States Constitution goes into effect now that the necissary 9 states have ratified it.
Jun. 25, 1788 - Virginia is the 10th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 67,468 sq. miles Capital - Richmond 2000 Population -

Jul. 26, 1788 - New York is the 11th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 53,989 sq. miles Capital - Albany 2000 Population -

Apr. 1, 1789 - The United States House of Repersentatives holds its 1st full meeting in New York City.
Apr. 21, 1789 - John Adams is sworn in as the 1st Vice President of the United States.
Apr. 30, 1789 - George Washington is sworn in as the 1st President of the United States.
Sep. 25, 1789 - The United States Congress adopts the Bill of Rights (containing the 1st 10 Amendments) and sends it to the states to be ratified.
Sep. 29, 1789 - The United States Army is established.
Nov. 21, 1789 - North Carolina is the 12th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 52,672 sq. miles Capital - Raleigh 2000 Population -

Apr. 3, 1790 - The United States Coast Gaurd is established.
May 29, 1790 - Rhode Island is the 13th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 1,231 sq. miles Capital - Providence 2000 Population -

Dec. 21, 1790 - Samuel Slater opens the first textile factory in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Mar. 4, 1791 - Vermont is the 14th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 9,615 sq. miles Capital - Montpelier 2000 Population -

Dec. 15, 1791 - The Bill of Rights (containing the 1st 10 Amendments) is ratified by 3/4ths of the states and becomes a part of the U.S. Constitution.
Feb. 20, 1792 - The United States Postal Service is established.
Apr. 2, 1792 - The United States Mint is established.
May 8, 1792 - The United States Military Draft is established.
Jun. 1, 1792 - Kentucky is the 15th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 40,411 sq. miles Capital - Frankfort 2000 Population -

Dec. 5, 1792 - George Washington was re-elected president of the United States; John Adams was re-elected vice president.
Feb. 18, 1793 - The U.S. Supreme Court rules that a citizen of one state may sue a citizen of another state in Federal Court.
Mar. 4, 1793 - George Washington is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1793 - John Adams is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 5, 1794 - The 11th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Mar. 27, 1794 - The United States Navy is established.
May 8, 1794 - The United States Post Office is established.
Jun. 1, 1796 - Tennessee is the 16th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 42,145 sq. miles Capital - Nashville 2000 Population -

Nov. 3, 1796 - John Adams was elected to be the second President of the United States.
Dec. 7, 1796 - Electors chose John Adams to be the second president of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1797 - John Adams is sworn in as the 2nd President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1797 - Thomas Jefferson is sworn in as the 2nd Vice President of the United States.
Jan. 8, 1798 - The 11th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Jul. 11, 1798 - The United States Marine Corps is established.
May 7, 1800 - The Indiana Territory is organized.
May 7, 1800 - The Ohio Territory is organized.
Dec. 12, 1800 - Washington, D.C. becomes the official capital of the United States.

	Area - sq. miles 2000 Population -

Mar. 4, 1801 - Thomas Jefferson is sworn in as the 3rd President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1801 - Aaron Burr is sworn in as the 3rd Vice President of the Unted States.
Mar. 1, 1803 - Ohio is the 17th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 44,828 sq. miles Capital - Columbus 2000 Population -

Apr. 30, 1803 - The United States purchases the Louisiana Territory for $15 million, containing what is now Arkansas, part of Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, part of Minnesota, Missouri, part of Montana, part of North Dakota, part of Oklahoma, South Dakota, and part of Wyoming.
Dec. 12, 1803 - The 12th Amendment is passed by Congress.
May 17, 1804 - Louis & Clark begin their expedition of the Louisiana Territory.
Sep. 25, 1804 - The 12th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Jan. 11, 1805 - The Michigan Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1805 - Thomas Jefferson is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1805 - George Clinton is sworn in as 4th Vice President of the United States.
Nov. 18, 1805 - Lewis and Clark reach the Pacific Ocean.
Sep. 23, 1806 - Lewis and Clark return from exploring the Louisiana Territory.
Feb. 3, 1809 - The Illinois Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1809 - James Madison is sworn in as the 4th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1809 - George Clinton is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.
Oct. 27, 1810 - The United States annexes what is now part of Alabama, part of Louisiana, and part of Mississippi.
Apr. 30, 1812 - Louisiana is the 18th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 49,650 sq. miles Capital - Baton Rouge 2000 Population -

May 14, 1812 - The Mississippi Territory is organized.
Jun. 4, 1812 - The Missouri Territory is organized.

War of 1812

Jun. 18, 1812 - United States declares war on Britain.
Mar. 4, 1813 - James Madison is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1813 - Elbridge Gerry is sworn in as the 5th Vice President for a 2nd term.
Aug. 24, 1814 - The British set fire to Washington, D.C.
Sep. 20, 1814 - The "Star-Spangled Banner" becomes the official national Anthem.
Dec. 24, 1814 - The United States and Britain sign the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812.
Jan. 8, 1815 - American forces win the Battle of New Orleans (they didn't know the war is over).

The Era of Good Feelings

Dec. 11, 1816 - Indiana is the 19th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 36,420 sq. miles Capital - Indianapolis 2000 Population -

Mar. 3, 1817 - The Alabama Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1817 - James Monroe is sworn in as the 5th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1817 - Elbridge Gerry is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.
Dec. 10, 1817 - Mississippi is the 20th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 48,286 sq. miles Capital - Jackson 2000 Population -

Dec. 3, 1818 - Illinois is the 21st state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 57,918 sq. miles Capital - Springfield 2000 Population -

Feb. 22, 1819 - The United States annexes Florida.
Mar. 2, 1819 - The Arkansas Territory is organized.
Dec. 14, 1819 - Alabama is the 22nd state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 52,237 sq. miles Capital - Montgomery 2000 Population -

Mar. 15, 1820 - Maine is the 23rd state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 33,741 sq. miles Capital - Augusta 2000 Population -

Mar. 4, 1821 - James Monroe is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1821 - Daniel Tompkins is sworn in as the 6th Vice President of the United States.
Aug. 10, 1821 - Missouri is the 24th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 69,709 sq. miles Capital - Jefferson City 2000 Population -

Mar. 30, 1822 - The Florida Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1825 - John Quincy Adams is sworn in as the 6th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1825 - John Calhoun is sworn in as the 7th Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1829 - Andrew Jackson is sworn in as the 7th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1829 - John Calhoun is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.

The Age of Jackson

Mar. 4, 1833 - Andrew Jackson is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1833 - Martin van Buren is sworn in as the 8th Vice President of the United States.
Jun. 30, 1834 - The Indian Territory is established in what is now Oklahoma.
Apr 20. 1836 - The Wisconsin Territory is organized.
Jun. 15, 1836 - Arkansas is the 25th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 53,182 sq. miles Capital - Little Rock 2000 Population -

Manifest Destiny

Mar. 4, 1837 - Martin van Buren is sworn in as the 8th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1837 - Richard Johnson is sworn in as the 9th Vice President of the United States.
Jan. 26, 1837 - Michigan is the 26th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 96,705 sq. miles Capital - Lansing 2000 Population -

Jun. 11, 1838 - The Iowa Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1841 - William Harrison is sworn in as the 9th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1841 - John Tyler is sworn in as the 10th Vice President of the United States.
Apr. 6, 1841 - John Tyler is sworn in as the 10th President of the United States.
Apr. 12, 1844 - The United States annexes what are now parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas as a result of the Adams-Onis Treaty with Spain.
Mar. 3, 1845 - Florida is the 27th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 59,988 sq. miles Capital - Tallahassee 2000 Population -

Mar. 4, 1845 - James Polk is sworn in as the 11th President of the United States.
Apr. 4, 1845 - George Dallas is sworn in as the 11th Vice President of the United States.
Dec. 29, 1845 - Texas is the 28th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 267,277 sq. miles Capital - Austin 2000 Population -

May 29, 1845 - Wisconsin is the 29th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 65,500 sq. miles Capital - Madison 2000 Population -

The Mexican War

May 8, 1846 - The Mexican War begins with the Battle of Palo Alto.
May 13, 1846 - The United States declares war on Mexico.
Aug. 22, 1846 - The United States annexes what is now Arizona and New Mexico.
Dec. 28, 1846 - Iowa is the 30th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 56,276 sq. miles Capital - Des Moines 2000 Population -

Sep. 14, 1847 - American forces take Mexico City.
Feb. 2, 1848 - Mexico and the United States sign the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War.
Feb. 2, 1848 - The United States gains what is now California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Aug. 14, 1848 - The United States annexes the Oregon Territory containing what is now Idaho, part of Montana, Oregon, Washington, part of Wyoming.
Mar. 3, 1849 - The Minnesota Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1849 - Millard Filmore is sworn in as the 12th Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 5, 1849 - Zachary Taylor is sworn in as the 12th President of the United States.
Dec. 6, 1849 - Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery on the "Underground Railroad".
May 30, 1850 - The Kansas Territory is organized.
May 30, 1850 - The Nebraska Territory is organized.
Jul. 10, 1850 - Millard Fillmore is sworn in as the 13th President of the United States.
Sep. 9, 1850 - California is the 31st state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 158,869 sq. miles Capital - Sacramento 2000 Population -

Sep. 9, 1850 - The Utah Territory is organized.
Sep. 18, 1850 - The Fugitive Slave Act is passed by Congress, requiring the return of escaped slaves.
Mar. 2, 1853 - The Washington Territory is organized.
Mar. 2, 1853 - The Oregon Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1853 - Franklin Pierce is sworn in as the 14th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1853 - William King is sworn in as the 13th Vice President of the United States.
Dec. 30, 1853 - The United States purchases what is now part of Arizona and New Mexico.
Mar. 4, 1857 - James Buchanan is sworn in as the 15th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1857 - John Breckinridge is sworn in as the 14th Vice President of the United States.
May 11, 1858 - Minnesota is the 32nd state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 86,943 sq. miles Capital - St. Paul 2000 Population -

Feb. 14, 1859 - Oregon is the 33rd state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 97,093 sq. miles Capital - Salem 2000 Population -

Secession

Dec. 20, 1860 - South Carolina is the 1st state to secede from the Union.
Jan. 9, 1861 - Mississippi is the 2nd state to secede from the Union.
Jan. 10, 1861 - Florida is the 3rd state to secede from the Union.
Jan. 11, 1861 - Alabama is the 4th state to secede from the Union.
Jan. 19, 1861 - Georgia is the 5th state to secede from the Union.
Jan. 26, 1861 - Louisiana is the 6th state to secede from the Union.
Jan. 29, 1861 - Kansas is the 34th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 82,282 sq. miles Capital - Topeka 2000 Population -

Feb. 4, 1861 - The Confederate States of America is formed.
Feb. 4, 1861 - The Apache declare war on the United States.
Feb. 13, 1861 - The 1st Congressional Medal is presented to Col. Bernard Irwin.
Feb. 18, 1861 - Jefferson Davis is sworn in as the 1st President of the Confederate States of America
Feb. 18, 1861 - Alexander Stevens is sworn in as the 1st Vice President of the Confederate States of America.
Feb. 22, 1861 - The Nevada Territory is organized.
Feb. 23, 1861 - Texas is the 7th state to secede from the Union.
Feb. 28, 1861 - The Colorado Territory is organized.
Mar. 2, 1861 - The Dakota Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1861 - Abraham Lincoln is sworn in as the 16th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1861 - Hannibal Hamlin is sworn in as the 15th Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 11, 1861 - The Confederate Congress adopts their Constitution.
Apr. 12, 1861 - Confederate forces begin an assault on Fort Sumter.
Apr. 13, 1861 - After 34 hours of bombardment, Fort Sumter surrenders.
Apr. 17, 1861 - Virginia is the 8th state to secede from the Union.
Apr. 19, 1861 - Union blockade of Confederate ports is initiated (1st part of the Anaconda Plan).
Apr. 27, 1861 - 48 counties in western Virginia secede to rejoin the Union (reducing Virginia's size to 42,326sq. miles).
May 6, 1861 - Arkansas is the 9th state to secede from the Union.

The Civil War

May 6, 1861 - President Abraham Lincoln declares a state of insurrection in the southern states.
May 21, 1861 - North Carolina is the 10th state to secede from the Union.
May 21, 1861 - Richmond, VA. becomes the official capital city of the Confederate States.
Jun. 8, 1861 - Tennessee is the 11th state to secede from the Union.
Jul. 21, 1861 - Confederate forces win the 1st Battle of Bull Run.
Oct. 22, 1861 - The transcontinental telegraph is completed.
Mar. 9, 1862 - The 1st ironclads, the Monitor and the Merrimack , meet at the Battle of the James River (resulting in a Union victory).
Apr. 7, 1862 - Union forces win the Battle of Shiloh.
Apr. 14, 1862 - Union forces begin the Penninsula Campaign.
Aug. 30, 1862 - Confederate forces win the 2nd Battle of Bull Run.
Sep. 17, 1862 - Union forces win the Battle of Antietam.
Sep. 22, 1862 - The Emancipation Proclomation is issued.
Dec. 13, 1862 - Confederate forces win the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Feb. 24, 1863 - The New Mexico Territory is organized.
Feb. 24, 1863 - The Arizona Territory is organized.
May 4, 1863 - Confederate forces win the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Jun. 20, 1863 - West Virginia is the 35th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 24,232 sq. miles Capital - Charleston 2000 Population -

Jul. 1, 1863 - The Battle of Ghettysburg begins.
Jul. 3, 1863 - Union forces win the Battle Ghettysburg.
Jul. 4, 1863 - Union forces capture Vicksburg, thereby taking the entire Mississippi River (2nd part of the Anaconda Plan).
Nov. 25, 1863 - Union forces win the Battle of Chattanooga.
May 26, 1864 - The Idaho Territory is organized.
May 26, 1864 - The Montana Territory is organized.
Sep. 1, 1864 - Union forces take Atlanta.
Oct. 31, 1864 - Nevada is the 36th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 110,567 sq. miles Capital - Carson City 2000 Population -

Nov. 16, 1864 - Union forces begin the "march to the sea", from Atlanta to Savanah.
Feb. 1, 1865 - The 13th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Mar. 4, 1865 - Abraham Lincoln is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1865 - Andrew Johnson is sworn in as the 16th Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 21, 1865 - Union forces finish the "march to the sea" (by taking Savanah, Georgia).
Apr. 2, 1865 - The fleeing Confederate government sets fire to Richmond.
Apr. 3, 1865 - Union forces occupy the Confederate capital, Richmond (3rd part of the Anaconda Plan).
Apr. 9, 1865 - The Confederate States of America surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, ending the Civil War.

Reconstruction

Apr. 15, 1865 - Andrew Johnson is sworn in as the 17th President of the United States.
Dec. 18, 1865 - The 13th Amendment is added to the Constitution. Jun 16, 1866 - The 14th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Jul. 24, 1866 - Tennessee is the 1st state to be readmitted to the Union.
Mar. 1, 1867 - Nebraska is the 37th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 77,359 sq. miles Capital - Lincoln 2000 Population -

Mar. 30, 1867 - The United States purchases the Alaska Territory from Russia for $7.2 million.
Aug. 28, 1867 - The U.S. annexes the Midway Islands.
Jan. 7, 1868 - The Arkansas constitutional convention meets in Little Rock.
Jan. 7, 1868 - The Mississippi constitutional convention meets in Jackson.
Jan. 14, 1868 - The North Carolina constitutional convention meets in Raliegh.
Jan. 14, 1868 - The South Carolina constitutional convention meets in Columbia.
Feb. 24, 1868 - The U.S. House of Representatives impeaches President Andrew Johnson.
Mar. 13, 1868 - The U.S. Senate begins its Impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson
Apr. 14, 1868 - South Carolina adopts a new constitution.
Apr. 16, 1868 - Louisiana adopts a new constitution.
May 26, 1868 - The U.S. Senate acquits President Andrew Johnson of all 11 Articles of Impeachment.
Jun. 1, 1868 - The Texas constitutional convention meets in Austin.
Jun. 22, 1868 - Arkansas is the 2nd state to be readmitted to the Union.
Jun. 25, 1868 - Florida is the 3rd state to be readmitted to the Union.
Jun. 25, 1868 - Alabama is the 4th state to be readmitted to the Union.
Jun. 25, 1868 - Louisiana is the 5th state to be readmitted to the Union.
Jun. 25, 1868 - North Carolina is 6the th state to be readmitted to the Union.
Jun. 25, 1868 - South Carolina is 7the th state to be readmitted to the Union.
Jul. 23, 1868 - The 14th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Jul. 25, 1868 - The Wyoming Territory is organized.
Dec. 25, 1868 - President Andrew Johnson issues an unconditional pardon to all those who participated in the southern rebellion.
Feb. 27, 1869 - The 15th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Mar. 4, 1869 - Ulysses Grant is sworn in as the 18th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1869 - Schuyler Colfax is sworn in as the 17th Vice President of the United States.
Apr. 10, 1869 - The number of Supreme Court Justices is increased from 7 to 9.
May 10, 1869 - The Transcontinental Railroad is completed at Promontory Point, Utah.
Nov. 17, 1869 - The Suez Canal opens for business, in Egypt, linking the Mediterranean and Red seas.
Jan. 27, 1870 - Virginia is the 8th state to be readmitted to the Union.
Feb. 23, 1870 - Mississippi is the 9th state to be readmitted to the Union.
Mar. 30, 1870 - Texas is the 10th state to be readmitted to the Union.
Mar. 30, 1870 - The 15th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Jul. 15, 1870 - Georgia is the 11th state to be readmitted to the Union.

Expansion

Aug. 1, 1870 - Colorado is the 38th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 104,100 sq. miles Capital - Denver 2000 Population -

Mar. 4, 1873 - Ulysses Grant is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1873 - Henry Wilson is sworn in as the 18th Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1877 - William Wheeler is sworn in as the 19th Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 5, 1877 - Rutherford Hayes is sworn in as the 19th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1881 - James Garfield is sworn in as the 20th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1881 - Chester Arthur is sworn in as the 20th Vice President of the United States.
Sep. 20, 1881 - Chester Arthur is sworn in as the 21st President of the United States.
May 17, 1884 - The Alaska Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1885 - Grover Cleveland is sworn in as the 22nd President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1885 - Thomas Hendricks is sworn in as the 21st Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1889 - Benjamin Harrison is sworn in as the 23rd President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1889 - Levi Morton is sworn in as the 22nd Vice President of the United States.
Nov. 2, 1889 - North Dakota is the 39th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 70,704 sq. miles Capital - Bismarck 2000 Population -

Nov. 2, 1889 - South Dakota is the 40th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 77,121 sq. miles Capital - Pierre 2000 Population -

Nov. 8, 1889 - Montana is the 41st state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 147,046 sq. miles Capital - Helena 2000 Population -

Nov. 11, 1889 - Washington is the 42nd state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 70,637 sq. miles Capital - Olympia 2000 Population -

May 2, 1890 - The Oklahoma Territory is organized.
Jul. 3, 1890 - Idaho is the 43rd state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 83,574 sq. miles Capital - Boise 2000 Population -

Jul. 10, 1890 - Wyoming is the 44th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 97,819 sq. miles Capital - Cheyenne 2000 Population -

Mar. 4, 1893 - Grover Cleveland is sworn in as the 24th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1893 - Adlai Stevenson is sworn in as the 23rd Vice President of the United States.
Jan. 4, 1896 - Utah is the 45th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 84,904 sq. miles Capital - Salt Lake City 2000 Population -

Mar. 4, 1897 - William McKinley is sworn in as the 25th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1897 - Garret Hobart is sworn in as the 24th Vice President of the United States.

The Spanish-American War

Apr. 20, 1898 - The United States declares war on Spain.
May 1, 1898 - American forces win the Battle of Manila Bay.
Jul. 1, 1898 - American forces win the Battle of Santiago.
Jul. 7, 1898 - The United States annexes Hawaii.
Jul. 25, 1898 - American forces invade Puerto Rico.
Aug. 12, 1898 - The United States and Spain sign an armistice, ending the Spanish-American War.
Dec. 10, 1898 - The United States and Spain sign the Treaty of Paris 1898, officially ending the Spanish-American War.

The American Empire

Feb. 6, 1899 - The United States annexes Guam, the Phillipines, and Puerto Rico.
Feb. 22, 1900 - The Hawaii Territory is organized.
Mar. 4, 1901 - William McKinley is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1901 - Theodore Roosevelt is sworn in as the 25th Vice President of the United States.
Sep. 14, 1901 - Theodore Roosevelt is sworn in as the 26th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1905 - Theodore Roosevelt is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1905 - Charles Fairbanks is sworn in as the 26th Vice President of the United States.
Jan. 16, 1907 - Oklahoma is the 46th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 69,903 sq. miles Capital - Oklahoma City 2000 Population -

Mar. 4, 1909 - William Taft is sworn in as the 27th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1909 - James Sherman is sworn in as the 27th Vice President of the United States.
Jul. 12, 1909 - The 16th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Jan. 6, 1912 - New Mexico is the 47th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 121,598 sq. miles Capital - Santa Fe 2000 Population -

Feb. 14, 1912 - Arizona is the 48th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 114,006 sq. miles Capital - Phoenix 2000 Population -

May 16, 1912 - The 17th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Feb. 25, 1913 - The 16th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Mar. 4, 1913 - Woodrow Wilson is sworn in as the 28th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1913 - Thomas Marshall is sworn in as the 28th Vice President of the United States.
Apr. 8, 1913 - The 17th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Apr. 21, 1914 - American forces occupy Vera Cruz, Mexico.
Jun. 28, 1914 - Princip assasinates Archduke Ferdinand of the Ottoman Empire.
Jul. 18, 1914 - The United States Army Air Corps is established.

World War I

Jul. 28, 1914 - World War I begins as the Ottoman Empire declares war on Bosnia.
Jul. 29, 1914 - Central forces bomb Belgrade, Belgium.
Aug. 4, 1914 - Central forces invade Belgium.
Aug. 4, 1914 - President Wilson issues a proclamaition of neutrality.
Aug. 15, 1914 - The Panama Canal opens for business.
Aug. 25, 1914 - Central forces bomb Antwerp, Belgium.
Aug. 25, 1914 - Central forces invade France.
Aug. 30, 1914 - Central forces bomb Paris, France.
Sep. 9, 1914 - Allied forces win the Battle of Marne.
Dec. 24, 1914 - Central forces bomb Dover, England.
Jan. 2, 1915 - Allied forces win the Battle of Sarikamis.
May 7, 1915 - British liner Lusiatnia is sunk by german U-Boats, killing 128 american passengers.
Jun. 10, 1915 - The Girl Scouts is established.
Jul. 29, 1915 - American forces invade Haiti.
Feb. 21, 1916 - The Battle of Verdun begins.
Mar. 9, 1916 - Pancho Villa raids Columbus, New Mexico.
Mar. 15, 1916 - American forces drive Pancho Villa to Mexico.
Jun. 15, 1916 - The Boy Scouts is established.
Jul. 1, 1916 - The 1st Battle of Somme begins.
Aug. 4, 1916 - The United States purchases the West Indies and the Virgin Islands for $25 million.
Aug. 25, 1916 - The United States National Park Service is established.
Sep. 3, 1916 - Allied forces win the Battle of Verdun.
Nov. 18, 1916 - Allied forces win the 1st Battle of Somme.
Jan. 31, 1917 - Germany declared unrestricted subamrine warfare against all ships.
Mar. 2, 1917 - Puerto Rico is made a United States territory.
Mar. 4, 1917 - Calvin Coolidge is sworn in as the 29th Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 5, 1917 - Woodrow Wilson is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Apr. 6, 1917 - The United States enters World War I on the side of the Allies.
Aug. 5, 1917 - The United States National Gaurd is established.
Dec. 17, 1917 - The 18th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Mar. 3, 1918 - Russia pulls out of World War I.
Jul. 15, 1918 - The 2nd Battle of the Marne begins.
Jul. 18, 1918 - Allied forces win the Battle of the Aisne-Marne.
Sep. 12, 1918 - The 2nd Battle of Verdun begins.
Sep. 26, 1918 - The Battle of Miuse-Argonne begins.
Sep. 29, 1918 - Allied forces push Central forces past the Hindenburg Line.
Nov. 11, 1918 - The Allied and Central Powers sign an armistice, ending World War I.
Jan. 29, 1919 - The 18th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Jun. 28, 1919 - The Treaty of Versailles is signed, ending World War I.

The Roaring 20's

Jun. 5, 1919 - The 19th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Aug. 26, 1920 - The 19th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Mar. 4, 1921 - Warren Harding is sworn in as the 29th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1921 - Charles Dawes is sworn in as the 30th Vice President of the United States.
Aug. 3, 1923 - Calvin Coolidge is sworn in as the 30th President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1925 - Calvin Coolidge is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Mar. 4, 1925 - Charles Curtis is sworn in as the 31st Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1929 - Herbert Hoover is sworn in as the 31st President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1929 - John Garner is sworn in as the 32nd Vice President of the United States.

The Great Depression

Oct. 29, 1929 - The New York Stock Market crashes to an all time low (referred to as "Black Tuesday"), signalling the start of the Great Depression.
Mar. 2, 1932 - The 20th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Jan. 23, 1933 - The 20th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Feb. 20, 1933 - The 21st Amendment is passed by Congress.
Mar. 4, 1933 - Franklin Roosevelt is sworn in as the 32nd President of the United States.
Mar. 4, 1933 - Henry Wallace is sworn in as the 33rd Vice President of the United States.
Dec. 5, 1933 - The 21st Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Mar. 7, 1936 - Germany invades the Rhineland (Austria).
Jan. 20, 1937 - Franklin Roosevelt is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 20, 1937 - Henry Wallace is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.
Sep. 1, 1939 - Germany invades Poland.

World War II

Sep. 4, 1939 - France and Great Britain declare war on Germany.
Sep. 28, 1939 - Germany and the Soviet Union sign the Warsaw pact, keeping the Soviet Union out of World War II.
Jun. 4, 1940 - The British evaccuate over 300,000 soldiers from Dunkirk, France back accross the English Channel.
Jun. 22, 1940 - France surrenders to Germany.
Oct. 16, 1940 - Benjamin Davis becomes the first black General in the United States Army.
Jan. 20, 1941 - Franklin Roosevelt is sworn in as President for a 3rd term.
Jan. 20, 1941 - Henry Wallace is sworn in as Vice President for a 3rd term.
Jun. 22, 1941 - Germany invades the Soviet Union.
Dec. 7, 1941 - Japanese forces attack the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Dec. 8, 1941 - The United States declares war on Japan.
Dec. 11, 1941 - Germany and Italy declare war on the United States.
May 15, 1942 - Women are now allowed to serve in all branches of the armed services.
Aug. 7, 1942 - United States Marines land at Guadalcanal.
Feb. 2, 1943 - 200,000 german soldiers surrender at Stalingrad.
Nov. 28, 1943 - Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin meet in Tehran to discuss WWII.
Jun. 6, 1944 - Allied forces invade Normandy (reffered to as "D-Day").
Aug. 25, 1944 - Allied troops liberate Paris.
Dec. 16, 1944 - A german surprise attack begins the Battle of the Bulge.
Dec. 24, 1944 - Allied forces push the german troops past the german border.
Jan. 12, 1945 - American forces liberate the Phillipines.
Jan. 20, 1945 - Franklin Roosevelt is sworn in as President for a 4th term.
Jan. 20, 1945 - Harry Truman is sworn in as the 34th Vice President of the United States.
Apr. 12, 1945 - Harry Truman is sworn in as the 33rd President of the United States.
Jun. 26, 1945 - The United Nations is established.
Jul. 12, 1945 - American forces take Okinawa.
Aug. 6, 1945 - The United States drops the 1st atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
Aug. 9, 1945 - The United States drops the 2nd atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.
Sep. 2, 1945 - Japan unconditionally surrenders to the United States, ending World War II.

The Cold War

Jul. 4, 1946 - The Phillipines, a United States protectorate, gains its independence.
Oct. 1, 1946 - Nazi war criminals receive sentencing at the Nuremberg trials.
Oct. 17, 1946 - Winston Churchill proclaims "an iron curtain has swept across the continent (Europe)," begining the Cold War.
Mar. 24, 1947 - The 22nd Amendment is passed by Congress.
Jan. 20, 1949 - Harry Truman is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 20, 1949 - Alben Barkley is sworn in as the 35th Vice President of the United States.
Apr. 4, 1949 - North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is established by Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United States.

The Korean War

Jun. 25, 1950 - The Korean War officially starts as North Korea invades South Korea.
Jun. 26, 1950 - North Korean forces take Seoul.
Jun. 27, 1950 - The United Nations declares war on North Korea.
Sep. 15, 1950 - U.N. forces take Inchon.
Oct. 7, 1950 - U.N. forces recapture Seoul.
Jan. 4, 1951 - North Korean/Chinese forces recapture Seoul.
Feb. 26, 1951 - The 22nd Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Nov. 1, 1952 - The United States detonates the 1st thermonuclear device.
Jan. 20, 1953 - Dwight Eisenhower is sworn in as the 34th President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1953 - Richard Nixon is sworn in as the 36th Vice President of the United States.
May 17, 1954 - The U.S. Supreme Court declares that segregated schools violates the 14th Amendment.
Jan. 20, 1957 - Richard Nixon is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 21, 1957 - Dwight Eisenhower is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 3, 1959 - Alaska is the 49th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 615,230 sq. miles Capital - Juneau 2000 Population -

Aug. 21, 1959 - Hawaii is the 50th state admitted to the Union.

	Area - 6,459 sq. miles Capital - Honolulu 2000 Population -

Jun. 16, 1960 - The 23rd Amendment is passed by Congress.
Jan. 20, 1961 - John Kennedy is sworn in as the 35th President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1961 - Lyndon Johnson is sworn in as the 37th Vice President of the United States.
Mar. 29, 1961 - The 23rd Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Apr. 17, 1961 - An American backed Cuban invasion force landed at Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs).
Aug. 27, 1962 - The 24th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Oct. 14, 1962 - American spy planes spot Soviet missile bases on Cuba.
Oct. 22, 1962 - The Soviet Union pulls its missiles out of Cuba.

The Vietnam War

Nov. 1, 1963 - American/Vietnamese forces stage a coup in Vietnam.
Nov. 22, 1963 - Lyndon Johnson is sworn in as the 36th President of the United States.
Jan. 30, 1964 - The 24th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Jul. 2, 1964 - Segregation is now abolished in the United States.
Aug. 4, 1964 - Vietnamese forces attack an American Destroyer (USS Maddox).
Aug. 7, 1964 - The United States begins military presence in Vietnam.
Jan. 20, 1965 - Lyndon Johnson is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 20, 1965 - Hubert Humphrey is sworn in as the 38th Vice President of the United States.
Jul. 6, 1965 - The 25th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Feb. 10, 1967 - The 25th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Mar. 16, 1968 - American forces take My Lai.
Jan. 20, 1969 - Richard Nixon is sworn in as the 37th President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1969 - Spiro Agney is sworn in as the 39th Vice President of the United States.
Jul. 20, 1969 American astronaught Neil Armstrong is the 1st human to walk on the Moon.
Apr. 30, 1970 - American forces invade Cambodia.
Dec. 31, 1970 - The United States begins withdrawling troops from Vietnam.
Mar. 3, 1971 - The 26th Amendment is passed by Congress.
Jun. 30, 1971 - The 26th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Dec. 18, 1972 - American forces begin bombing Hanoi and Haiphong.
Dec. 28, 1972 - American forces cease bombing Hanoi and Haiphong.
Jan. 20, 1973 - Richard Nixon is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 20, 1973 - Spiro Agney is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 27, 1973 - The United States and Vietnam sign a peace treaty, ending the Vietnam War.
Mar. 29, 1973 - The last of American forces leave Vietnam.
Dec. 6, 1973 - Gerald Ford is sworn in as the 40th Vice President of the United States.
Aug. 9, 1974 - Gerald Ford is sworn in as the 38th President of the United States.
Dec. 19, 1974 - Nelson Rockefeller is sworn in as the 41st Vice President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1977 - Jimmy Carter is sworn in as the 39th President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1977 - Walter Mondale is sworn in as the 42nd Vice President of the United States.
Nov. 4, 1979 - Iranians seize the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran taking 52 people hostage.
Jan. 20, 1981 - Ronald Reagan is sworn in as the 40th President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1981 - George Bush is sworn in as the 43rd Vice President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1981 - The hostages from the American Embassy are freed.
Dec. 30, 1981 - I was born (well, I am the Author!).
Mar. 23, 1983 - President Reagan starts the Strategic Defense Initiative.
Jan. 20, 1985 - George Bush is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 21, 1985 - Ronald Reagan is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 20, 1989 - George Bush is sworn in as the 41st President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1989 - Dan Quale is sworn in as the 44th Vice President of the United States.

The Persian Gulf War

Aug. 2, 1990 - Iraqi forces invade Kuwait.
Jan. 16, 1991 - A U.N. air strike is launched on Iraq.
Feb. 23, 1991 - A U.N. ground force liberates Kuwait.
Feb. 28, 1991 - A cease fire is signed between the United Nations and Iraq.
Feb. 1, 1992 - The United States and Russia sign a treaty officially ending the Cold War.

The Information Age

May 7, 1992 - The 27th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
Jan. 20, 1993 - Al Gore is sworn in as the 45th Vice President of the United States
Jan. 21, 1993 - Bill Clinton is sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States.
Jan. 20, 1997 - Al Gore is sworn in as Vice President for a 2nd term.
Jan. 21, 1997 - Bill Clinton is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
Aug. 7, 1998 - 2 american embassies (Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya) in eastern Africa are destroyed by terrorist bombs.
Aug. 20, 1998 - American forces launch air strikes at 2 targets in retalliation for the american embassy bombings: a terrorist training facility in Afghanistan, and a chemical plant in Sudan.
Dec. 16, 1998 - American forces launch the 1st of 3 air strikes at targets in Iraq.
Dec. 17, 1998 - American forces launch the 2nd of 3 air strikes at targets in Iraq.
Dec. 18, 1998 - American forces launch the 3rd of 3 air strikes at targets in Iraq.
Dec. 19, 1998 - The U.S. House of Representatives approves 2 of 4 Proposed Ariticles of Impeachment.

An End Of An ERA Nears

1999

Jan. 4 - U.S. agrees to ease restrictions on Cuba.
Jan. 6 - Dennis Hastert elected to replace Newt Gingrich as Speaker of the House.
Feb. 12 - Senate acquits President Clinton of impeachment charges.
March 4 - Marine pilot acquitted in killing of 20 in 1998 Italian ski gondola accident; Italians outraged.
March 5 - U.S. accuses China of stealing nuclear secrets.
March 12 - Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary join NATO.
March 23 - NATO begins launching air strikes against Yugoslavia.
March 24 - NATO launches air strikes on Serbia to end attacks against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.
March 26 - Dr. Jack Kevorkian convicted of second-degree murder in assisted-suicide case.
March 27 - “Melissa” computer virus spreads through the Internet.
April 20 - Two Colo. students go on shooting spree in Columbine High School, killing 15, including themselves.
May 7 - NATO bombs mistakenly hit Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
May 16 - Crime rate in U.S. falls for seventh consecutive year.
May 20–24 - U.S. inspects suspected nuclear weapons site in North Korea, finds nothing.
July 2–5 - White supremacist goes on shooting spree in Midwest, killing three including self and wounding eight.
July 13 - Serial killer Rafael Reséndez-Ramirez surrenders himself to U.S. authorities.
July 16 - John F. Kennedy, Jr., wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette killed in plane crash off coast of Martha's Vineyard.
July 16 - Col. Eileen Collins becomes first female to head a space shuttle mission.
July 29 - Day-trader kills 9 and wounds 13 in two Atlanta brokerage offices before committing suicide.
Aug. 10 - White supremacist opens fire at Jewish community center in LA, wounding five and killing one as he flees.
Aug. 25 - Attorney General Janet Reno reopens investigation of 1993 Waco, Tex., stand-off.
Sept. 15 - Larry Gene Ashbrook goes on rampage in Tex. church, killing seven and himself.
Sept. 23 - NASA accidentally loses $125 million spacecraft as it orbits Mars.
Oct. 11 - World population reaches six billion milestone.
Oct. 13 - Tobacco companies admit to harm caused by cigarette smoking.
Oct. 13 - Senate rejects 1996 nuclear test-ban treaty; international leaders upset by U.S. stand.
Nov. 5 - Judge finds Microsoft to be a monopoly.
Nov. 15 - U.S. and China reach landmark trade agreement.
Nov. 29 et seq. - World Trade Organization conference disrupted by violent protests in Seattle.
Dec. 31, 1999 - Panama gains control of the Panama Canal from the United States.

                                                                 ( Y2K ) The New Millenium
2000
Jan. 22 - George W. Bush and Al Gore take Iowa caucuses in U.S. presidential race.
Feb. 6 - First Lady Hillary Clinton officially enters N.Y. Senate race.
Feb. 25 - Wary investors cause stock plunge; beginning of the end of the Internet stock boom.
March 17 - Gun maker Smith & Wesson limits the manufacture and distribution of handguns in light of lawsuits.
April 3 - Microsoft loses antitrust suit; appeal expected.
April 8 - Controversial Osprey plane crash kills 19 marines.
April 22 - Cuban boy Elián González, reunited with father after federal raid of Miami relatives' home.
April 25 - Vermont approves same-sex unions.
May 4 - “I love you” virus disrupts computers worldwide.
May 18 - South Carolina removes Confederate battle flag from capitol dome.
June 23 - Elián González returns to Cuba with father.
June 25 - U.S. navy resumes shelling of Puerto Rico's Vieques Island, used as a training site.
Aug. 2 - Republican convention picks Texas governor George W. Bush as presidential candidate; Dick Cheney for
              vice presidential spot.
Aug. 14 - Democratic convention selects Vice President Al Gore and Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman to head ticket.
Sept. 20 - Six-year Whitewater investigation of the Clintons ends without indictments.
Sept. 28 - Abortion pill, RU-486, wins U.S. approval.
Oct. 12 - 17 U.S. sailors on navy destroyer Cole die in Yemen terrorist explosion.
Nov. 7–8 - U.S. presidential election closest in decades; Bush's slim lead in Florida leads to automatic recount in that
                  state.
Nov. 11 - Republicans file federal suit to block manual recount of Florida presidential election ballots sought by
                Democrats.
Nov. 21 - Florida Supreme Court rules hand count of presidential ballots may continue.
Nov. 26 - Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris certifies Bush as winner by 537 votes.
Dec. 9 - U.S. Supreme Court orders halt to manual recount of presidential votes in Florida.
Dec. 12 - Supreme Court seals Bush victory by 5–4; rules there can be no further recounting.

The War On Terrorism

2001

Sept. 11 - World Trade Center attacked New York, Pentagon attacked, Washington, D.C. by "Terrorists"
affiliated with Bin Laden and the Al Quade Network of terrorists.