This week in American history, from November 11th to November 17th, saw a convergence of major military conclusions, statehood, and civil rights milestones. The week began with the momentous end of World War I and the admission of a new state, and later featured pivotal events in the fight for desegregation, the opening of major public works, and the start of a devastating Civil War campaign.
November 11
- 1918: World War I Ends – At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany was signed in France, officially ending hostilities in World War I. This day would later be recognized in the U.S. as Veterans Day.
- 1889: Washington Becomes a State – Washington was admitted to the Union as the 42nd U.S. state. Its statehood followed the signing of the Enabling Act by President Grover Cleveland the previous year.
November 12
- 1936: San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge Opens – The Bay Bridge opened to traffic for the first time, connecting the two major Californian cities. It was, at the time, the longest steel structure ever built.
- 1954: Ellis Island Ceases Operations – The federal immigration station at Ellis Island, New York, closed its doors after processing over 12 million immigrants since 1892. The facility was later turned into a museum.
November 13
- 1927: The Holland Tunnel Opens – The Holland Tunnel, connecting New Jersey to Manhattan under the Hudson River, opened to traffic. It was the first vehicular tunnel designed for vehicles and heralded a new era of automotive infrastructure.
- 1982: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedicated – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, designed by Maya Lin, was dedicated in Washington, D.C. The black granite wall inscribed with the names of fallen and missing service members quickly became a poignant and powerful national symbol.
November 14
- 1960: Ruby Bridges Integrates Elementary School – Six-year-old Ruby Bridges was escorted by four federal marshals to attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, becoming a symbolic figure in the Civil Rights Movement’s fight for school desegregation.
- 1969: Apollo 12 Launches – NASA launched Apollo 12, carrying the second crew to land on the Moon. Astronauts Charles Conrad and Alan Bean spent over 31 hours on the lunar surface.
November 15
- 1777: The Articles of Confederation Adopted – The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation, the first government established by the original 13 states. It would remain the governing document until the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788.
- 1864: Sherman’s March to the Sea Begins – Union General William T. Sherman began his devastating “March to the Sea,” leading 60,000 soldiers from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. This campaign aimed to cripple the Confederate economy and morale.
November 16
- 1907: Oklahoma Becomes a State – Oklahoma was admitted to the Union as the 46th U.S. state. Its statehood combined the former Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory into one entity.
- 1933: U.S. Establishes Relations with the Soviet Union – President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the United States had officially recognized and resumed diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union, which had been suspended since 1919.
November 17
- 1800: U.S. Congress Convenes in Washington, D.C.- The first session of the U.S. Congress was held in the newly constructed Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., officially making the city the permanent seat of the U.S. government.
- 1777: Articles of Confederation Submitted to States – The Articles of Confederation, adopted two days earlier by the Continental Congress, were officially submitted to the states for ratification, a process that would take over three years.
