Category Archives: 150 Years Ago This Week

News from 150 years ago

“a national holiday”

Posted on November 28, 2017 by SUMPTER

with regional characteristics Thanksgiving Day was celebrated 150 years ago today across the United State. The New-York Times thought that the observance was almost beyond the need for presidential or gubernatorial proclamations. Thanksgiving was becoming “a national holiday” anticipated by … Continue reading →

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“a sorry exhibit”

Posted on November 25, 2017 by SUMPTER

On November 21, 1867 the Fortieth U.S. Congress reassembled amid a great deal of curiosity about the possible impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. The spectator section in the House was packed an hour before the start time, but the Judiciary … Continue reading →

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with a little help from the men

Posted on November 7, 2017 by SUMPTER

On November 6, 1917 New York State voters approved an amendment to the state constitution that allowed women the right to vote in all elections in the state. A large New York City majority in favor of the amendment offset … Continue reading →

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sitting it out

Posted on November 2, 2017 by SUMPTER

150 years ago Georgia conducted a five day election to determine if a state constitutional convention should be held, and, if so, who would be sent as delegates. Evidently many white conservatives didn’t vote. Here’s an early report from Savannah, … Continue reading →

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clean energy

Posted on October 27, 2017 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times October 27, 1867: Petroleum for Fuel. There have been many objections urged to the use of petroleum as fuel on sea-going vessels, most of which, we believe, will be successfully set aside. But none of them … Continue reading →

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safety first

Posted on September 30, 2017 by SUMPTER

According to the October 1, 1867 issue of The New-York Times a riot broke out 150 years ago today at a rally in Savannah, Georgia. The speaker apparently urged confiscation of white-owned land for ex-slaves. After things calmed down the … Continue reading →

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Antietam address

Posted on September 17, 2017 by SUMPTER

The Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg) on September 17, 1862 was the bloodiest single day of the American Civil War. 150 years ago today dignitaries dedicated a national cemetery at the battlefield and laid the cornerstone of a national monument. It … Continue reading →

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proclaiming president

Posted on September 7, 2017 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today President Andrew Johnson proclaimed an amnesty to cover almost all former Confederates. As recorded at Project Gutenberg: BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas in the month of July, A.D. 1861, … Continue reading →

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Sickles sacked

Posted on August 26, 2017 by SUMPTER

President Andrew Johnson made some changes in August 1867. He suspended Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and named General Ulysses Grant the ad interim War Secretary. The president then ordered the acting secretary to remove Phil Sheridan as commander of … Continue reading →

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leaving New Orleans

Posted on August 17, 2017 by SUMPTER

On August 12th President Andrew Johnson suspended Edwin M. Stanton and named General U.S. Grant as acting Secretary of War. 150 years ago today the president ordered the general to make some changes. Philip Sheridan was to be removed from … Continue reading →

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