Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), eighth president of the United States, has been called the first national politician. He built an alliance between the "plain Republicans of the North" and the planters o...
Read more
Before Martin Van Buren was even a teenager, he knew what he wanted to be: president of the United States.That's a big ambition for anyone. But for the son of a poor tavern-keeper, it looked imposs...
Read more
First Lady Laura Bush paid tribute Monday to "one of America's most beloved first ladies" — Dolley Madison — at the unveiling of a coin in Madison's honor."America's first ladies have g...
Read more
Today is Thursday, Dec. 7, the 341st day of 2006. There are 24 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese forces attacked American and British territories and poss...
Read more
Today is Tuesday, July 24, the 205th day of 2007. There are 160 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On July 24, 1959, during a visit to Moscow, Vice President Richard M. Nixon engage...
Read more
Today is Thursday, Aug. 9, the 221st day of 2007. There are 144 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Aug. 9, 1945, three days after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, the Unit...
Read more
Coming soon on new presidential dollar coins — Old Hickory, Old Kinderhook, Old Man Eloquent and the Last of the Cocked Hats.The U.S. Mint, the maker of the nation's coins, on Thursday is unv...
Read more
Entrance fees are due to rise at many national parks over the next three summers, though a public outcry over specific increases could cause the government to reconsider.A few increases have alread...
Read more
Most folks can correctly name George Washington as the nation's first president. After that, things get tricky.The U.S. Mint is hoping its new dollar coin series will help refresh some hazy memorie...
Read more
If you or someone you know is pregnant … be prepared. The child will be a rat. Anyone who turns 12 this year is also a rat. You may consider me a jackass for saying that, but technically I'm ...
Read more