Little-known stories of our country’s past.
May 17, 2004
First Gay Marriage in U.S.
Last week President Barack Obama came out in favor of gay marriage so it is important to note that only eight years ago this week the first same-sex marriage in the United States took place in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
May 18, 1896
Ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson
In 1896 the Supreme Court struck a major blow against integration, ruling that the Louisiana law that provided “equal but separate accommodations for the white and colored races” on railroad cars was constitutional. The ruling provided that long as equal accommodations were provided, segregation was not discrimination. The case was eventually used to justify segregating all public facilities, including railroad cars, restaurants, hospitals, and schools. Not until 1954 with Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was Plessy v. Ferguson struck down.
Welcome to America Comes Alive!, a site I created to share little-known stories of America’s past.
These stories are about Americans—people just like you—who have made a difference and changed the course of history. Look around the site and find what inspires you.
Here are a few fun ways to share small bits of history with your children:
New Ideas for Sharing History with your Children
Fun Facts to Share with your Children
And here are some facts about our presidents that adults may be glad to know:
Ten Fun Facts About Our Presidents
Thomas Edison’s personal work table in his laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey. The photo was taken on one of Kate’s trips exploring this country.
