By thehistorylistPublished On: December 31, 202511.9 min readTotal Views: 269Daily Views: 2Categories: History ListsTags: Major Anniversaries

Major Anniversaries in US History—2026

January

January 1, 1781 — 245th anniversary — Mutiny of the Pennsylvania Line
Frustrated by poor pay and conditions, Continental Army soldiers from Pennsylvania mutinied, forcing Congress to address enlistment grievances during the Revolutionary War.
January 2, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Congress Publishes the Tory Act
The Continental Congress authorized measures against Loyalists, marking a decisive step toward political separation from Great Britain.
January 2, 1811 — 215th anniversary — First Censure of a U.S. Senator
Senator Timothy Pickering was censured for leaking confidential documents, establishing Congress’s authority to discipline its members.
January 3, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Delaware Rejects Secession
Delaware voted against leaving the Union, reaffirming its loyalty despite rising sectional tensions.
January 4, 1896 — 130th anniversary — Utah Enters the Union
Utah became the 45th state.
January 5, 1781 — 245th anniversary — Benedict Arnold Raids Richmond
Now fighting for the British, Arnold captured and destroyed Richmond, Virginia, dealing a blow to the Patriot cause.
January 6, 1941 — 85th anniversary — FDR Delivers the “Four Freedoms” Speech
President Franklin D. Roosevelt outlined fundamental human freedoms, shaping U.S. war aims during World War II.
January 9, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Star of the West Fired Upon
South Carolina forces fired on a Union supply ship, one of the first armed confrontations of the Civil War.
January 9, 1916 — 110th anniversary — Allies Withdraw from Gallipoli
The failed Gallipoli Campaign ended, marking a costly defeat for Allied forces during World War I.
January 10, 1901 — 125th anniversary — Discovery at Spindletop Ushers in the Oil Age
A massive oil strike in Texas transformed the global energy industry and American economic power.
January 10, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Thomas Paine Publishes Common Sense
Paine’s pamphlet powerfully argued for independence, galvanizing colonial public opinion.
January 10, 1946 — 80th anniversary — First Meeting of the United Nations
The UN General Assembly convened for the first time, signaling a new era of international cooperation.
January 17, 1781 — 245th anniversary — Battle of Cowpens
American forces achieved a decisive victory over the British in South Carolina.
January 24, 1781 — 245th anniversary — Marion and Lee Raid Georgetown, South Carolina
Francis Marion and “Light Horse” Harry Lee struck British positions, disrupting supply lines.
January 25, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — First National Memorial Approved by Congress
Congress authorized a monument honoring General Richard Montgomery, an early act of national remembrance.
January 25, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Henry Knox arrives outside of Boston
After a winter trek of 56 days, Knox and his men arrived with 59 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga.
January 25, 1961 — 65th anniversary — JFK Holds First Live Presidential News Conference
President John F. Kennedy used live television to reshape presidential communication with the public.
January 28, 1901 — 125th anniversary — American League Founded
The formation of the American League laid the groundwork for modern Major League Baseball.
January 28, 1986 — 40th anniversary — Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
The world watched as the shuttle exploded shortly after launch, killing all seven crew members and reshaping NASA safety practices.
January 29, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Kansas Enters the Union
Kansas was admitted as a free state.

February

February 2, 1876 — 150th anniversary — National League of Baseball Founded
Professional baseball took organizational shape, helping establish America’s national pastime.
February 4, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Confederate States Formed
Delegates from Southern states met to establish a new government following secession.
February 5, 1631 — 395th anniversary — Roger Williams Arrives in America
Williams later became a leading advocate for religious freedom and the founder of Rhode Island.
February 13, 1861 — 165th anniversary — First Medal of Honor Action
Colonel Bernard J.D. Irwin’s, an army surgeon, is considered the First Medal of Honor Action. He was officially awarded the Medal of Honor in 1894.
February 17, 1801 — 225th anniversary — Thomas Jefferson elected President
The election marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in U.S. history.
February 23, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Washington, D.C.
Lincoln arrived secretly due to assassination threats ahead of his inauguration.

March

March 1, 1781 — 245th anniversary — Articles of Confederation Ratified
After nearly four years, the nation’s ‘first’ Constitution was ratified and governed the United States until 1789.
March 2, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Texas Secedes from the Union
Texas joined other Southern states in leaving the Union just days before Lincoln’s inauguration.
March 3, 1931 — 95th anniversary — “The Star-Spangled Banner” Becomes National Anthem.
Congress officially adopted the song as the U.S. national anthem.
March 4, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Abraham Lincoln Inaugurated
Lincoln assumed the presidency as the nation stood on the brink of civil war.
March 6, 1836 — 190th anniversary — Battle of the Alamo Ends
Mexican forces defeated Texian defenders, creating a rallying cry for Texas independence.
March 17, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★— Evacuation Day in Boston
British troops withdrew from Boston, marking a major early Patriot victory.
March 17, 461 — 1,565th anniversary — Death of St. Patrick
The missionary credited with spreading Christianity in Ireland died on this date. Today, he is honored annually on St. Patrick’s Day.
March 17, 1601 — 425th anniversary — First St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The earliest St. Patrick’s Day in America is often debated, but early records point to a parade taking place in St. Augustine, Florida.
March 19, 1916 — 110th anniversary — First U.S. Aerial Combat Mission
American pilots flew combat patrols during the Mexican Punitive Expedition.
March 25, 1911 — 115th anniversary — Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NYC
The tragedy killed 146 workers and led to significant labor and safety reforms.
March 30, 1981 — 45th anniversary — Assassination Attempt on Ronald Reagan
President Reagan was wounded but survived, strengthening public support early in his presidency.

April

April 3, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — American Privateers Attack British Shipping
The Continental Congress authorizes privateers to disrupt British trade, aiding the Patriot war effort.
April 4, 1841 — 185th anniversary — President William Henry Harrison dies
Harrison’s death after just 32 days in office raised constitutional questions about succession.
April 6, 1896 — 130th anniversary — First Modern Olympic Games Open
The Olympics were revived in Athens, launching the modern international sports movement.
April 12, 1861 — 165th anniversary — American Civil War Begins
Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter, officially starting the Civil War.
April 18, 1906 — 120th anniversary — San Francisco Earthquake
A devastating earthquake and fires destroyed much of the city and killed thousands.
April 20, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Robert E. Lee Resigns from the U.S. Army
Lee chose to side with Virginia, later becoming the commander of Confederate forces.

May

May 1, 1931 — 95th anniversary — Empire State Building Dedicated
The skyscraper symbolized American ambition during the Great Depression.
May 5, 1961 — 65th anniversary — First American in Space
Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into space.
May 13, 1846 — 180th anniversary — Congress Declares War on Mexico
The Mexican-American War expanded U.S. territory westward.
May 21, 1881 — 145th anniversary — American Red Cross Founded
Clara Barton established the organization to provide disaster relief.
May 22, 1781 — 245th anniversary — Siege of Ninety Six Begins
Patriot forces attempted to capture a key British stronghold in South Carolina.
May 31, 1921 — 105th anniversary — Tulsa Race Massacre Begins
One of the deadliest racial violence episodes in U.S. history devastated Tulsa’s Black community.

June

June 7, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Lee Resolution Introduced
Richard Henry Lee from Virginia formally proposed independence to Congress.
June 14, 1846 — 180th anniversary — Bear Flag Revolt
American settlers in California declared independence from Mexico.
June 25, 1876 — 150th anniversary — Battle of Little Bighorn
Lakota and Cheyenne forces defeated U.S. cavalry under George Custer.

July

July 2, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Congress Votes for Independence
John Adams predicted this date would be celebrated as America’s founding.
July 4, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Declaration of Independence Adopted The Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the American colonies’ separation from Great Britain. Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document articulated Enlightenment ideals that continue to shape democratic governance.
July 4, 1826 — 200th anniversary — Adams and Jefferson Die Both former presidents died on the 50th anniversary of independence.
July 5, 1946 — 80th anniversary — Bikini Introduced
The modern bikini made its debut in Paris, named after Bikini Atoll, where U.S. nuclear tests had recently occurred. The revealing swimsuit sparked controversy and became a lasting symbol of postwar cultural change.
July 9, 1846 — 180th anniversary — U.S. Captures San Francisco
American naval forces seized the port of Yerba Buena (later San Francisco) during the Mexican-American War. The occupation strengthened U.S. control over California.
July 21, 1861 — 165th anniversary — First Battle of Bull Run
The first major land battle of the Civil War ended in a Confederate victory. The engagement shattered hopes of a quick resolution to the conflict.
July 30, 1866 — 160th anniversary — New Orleans Massacre
During a Reconstruction-era convention, violence erupted, killing dozens.
July 30, 1956 — 70th anniversary — “In God We Trust” was adopted as the National Motto. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation establishing the phrase as the official U.S. motto.

August

August 2, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★— Declaration Signing Begins
Delegates to the Continental Congress began signing the Declaration of Independence. The act represented a public commitment to independence, despite the grave risks involved.
August 5, 1861 — 165th anniversary — First Federal Income Tax Enacted
Congress approved a temporary income tax to help finance the Civil War. It marked the first national attempt to tax personal income.
August 10, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Britain Learns of American Independence
News of the Declaration of Independence reached London weeks after its adoption. The announcement confirmed that reconciliation was no longer possible.
August 10, 1846 — 180th anniversary — Smithsonian Institution Created
Congress established the Smithsonian using funds bequeathed by James Smithson. It became the world’s largest museum and research complex.
August 13, 1961 — 65th anniversary — Berlin Wall Construction Begins
East Germany began erecting the Berlin Wall to stop the flow of refugees to the West. The barrier became a defining symbol of the Cold War.
August 16, 1896 — 130th anniversary — Gold Discovered in the Yukon
Gold discoveries in Canada’s Yukon Territory sparked a massive rush of prospectors. The Klondike Gold Rush transformed the region and popular culture.
August 22, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — British Land on Long Island
British forces landed in preparation for the Battle of Long Island. The ensuing defeat forced George Washington’s army to retreat from New York.

September

September 5, 1836 — 190th anniversary — Sam Houston Elected President of Texas
Houston became the first elected President of the Republic of Texas. He played a central role in Texas’s independence from Mexico.
September 6, 1781 — 245th anniversary — New London Burned
Benedict Arnold led British forces in a destructive raid on New London, Connecticut. The attack devastated the town late in the Revolutionary War.
September 6, 1901 — 125th anniversary — President McKinley was Shot
President William McKinley was shot by an anarchist while attending the Pan-American Exposition.
September 8, 1781 — 245th anniversary — Battle of Eutaw Springs
One of the last major battles of the Revolutionary War in the South, the engagement weakened British control in the Carolinas.
September 11, 2001 — 25th anniversary — Terrorist Attacks on the United States
Coordinated terrorist attacks killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The events reshaped U.S. foreign and domestic policy.
September 14, 1901 — 125th anniversary — McKinley dies; Theodore Roosevelt becomes President
McKinley died from his wounds, making Theodore Roosevelt the youngest President in U.S. history.
September 23, 1806 — 220th anniversary — Lewis and Clark Return to St. Louis
The expedition completed its journey to the Pacific and back. The mission expanded American knowledge of the western territories.
September 28, 1781 — 245th anniversary — Siege of Yorktown Begins
American and French forces surrounded British troops under General Cornwallis. The siege led directly to the end of the Revolutionary War.

October

October 4, 1861 — 165th anniversary — Lincoln Observes Balloon Reconnaissance
President Lincoln watched a military balloon demonstration, highlighting early aerial surveillance during the Civil War.
October 6, 1866 — 160th anniversary — First Train Robbery
Outlaws, the Reno Brothers, robbed a train in Indiana, marking the beginning of a new era of Western crime.
October 8, 1871 — 155th anniversary — Great Chicago Fire Begins
A massive fire destroyed much of Chicago, leaving thousands homeless. The disaster led to significant changes in building codes.
October 8, 1871 — 155th anniversary — Peshtigo Fire
The deadliest wildfire in U.S. history killed over 1,000 people in Wisconsin. It occurred the same night as the Chicago Fire.
October 11, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Battle of Valcour Island
American naval forces delayed the British advance from Canada. The battle bought critical time for Patriot defenses and was one of Benedict Arnold’s defining moments.
October 17, 1931 — 95th anniversary — Al Capone Convicted of Tax Evasion
The notorious gangster was sentenced to prison, signaling federal resolve against organized crime.
October 19, 1781 — 245th anniversary — British Surrender at Yorktown
General Cornwallis formally surrendered, though he was not present during the surrender ceremony, effectively ending major fighting in the Revolutionary War.
October 24, 1861 — 165th anniversary — First Transcontinental Telegraph Completed
The telegraph connected the East and West coasts, revolutionizing communication in the United States.
October 24, 1901 — 125th anniversary — First Barrel Ride Over Niagara Falls
Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive the plunge, capturing international attention.
October 26, 1881 — 145th anniversary — Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
A brief but famous shootout took place in Tombstone, Arizona. It became a defining legend of the American West.
October 31, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — King George III Addresses Parliament
The king acknowledged the American rebellion while vowing continued military action.

November

November 5, 1941 — 85th anniversary — Order Given to Attack Pearl Harbor
Japanese leadership finalized plans for the surprise attack on U.S. naval forces in Hawaii.
November 11, 1921 — 105th anniversary — Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Dedicated
The memorial honored unidentified American soldiers killed in World War I.
November 23, 1936 — 90th anniversary — LIFE Magazine Debuts
The photojournalism magazine reshaped American media with powerful visual storytelling.

December

December 2, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Washington Arrives at the Banks of the Delaware River
Washington’s troops reached the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River after being driven out of New York.
December 5, 1876 — 150th anniversary — Brooklyn Theatre Fire
A catastrophic fire killed hundreds, leading to improved theater safety regulations.
December 7, 1941 — 85th anniversary — Attack on Pearl Harbor
Japanese forces attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet, drawing the United States into World War II.
December 8, 1941 — 85th anniversary — U.S. Declares War on Japan
Congress formally entered World War II following President Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech.
December 10, 1901 — 125th anniversary — First Nobel Prizes Awarded
The inaugural Nobel Prizes recognized achievements in science, literature, and peace.
December 13, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — General Charles Lee Captured
Lee was taken prisoner by British forces, dealing a temporary blow to the Continental Army.
December 14, 1911 — 115th anniversary — South Pole Reached
Roald Amundsen and his team became the first humans to reach the South Pole.
December 15, 1791 — 235th anniversary — Bill of Rights Ratified
The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteed fundamental civil liberties.
December 19, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — The American Crisis Published
Thomas Paine’s essay inspired Patriot morale during the darkest days of the Revolution.
December 25, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Washington Crosses the Delaware
The bold nighttime crossing set the stage for a surprise victory at Trenton.
December 25, 1941 — 85th anniversary — White Christmas Released
The song premiered weeks after America entered WWII and became one of the most commercially successful singles.
December 26, 1776 — ★ 250th ANNIVERSARY ★ — Victory at Trenton
American forces defeated Hessian troops, revitalizing the Revolutionary cause.