Today in History: Rhode Island Becomes First Colony to Ban Importation of Slaves
On June 13, 1774, Rhode Island became the first colony to ban the importation of slaves. Efforts to curb slavery in Rhode Island began as early as 1652. That year, the colonial government passed a law making it illegal for any person, white or black, to be โboundโ...
Today in History: Nathan Hale Born
On this date in 1755, patriot spy and American Revolutionary hero Nathan Hale was born. Hale was born on June 6, 1755, to a deeply religious family in Coventry, Connecticut. At 14, Hale was admitted to Yale College, and he graduated with first-class honors in 1773....
Today in History: Second Continental Congress Convenes
On this date in 1775, representatives from the several colonies met in Philadelphia, forming the Second Continental Congress. Its primary purpose was to determine a colonial response to controversial happenings in New England. Massachusetts militia had recently...