The week between December 23 and December 29 holds a unique place in the American story, often blending the quiet of the holiday season with pivotal moments of political transition and military action. From George Washington’s humble resignation of power to the tragic conclusion of the Indian Wars at Wounded Knee, these dates highlight the fragility and resilience of the American experiment. Scientific breakthroughs like the invention of the transistor also anchor this week, showing that even during the winter holidays, the nation’s course has frequently been altered by bold decisions and unexpected events.
December 23
- 1783: George Washington Resigns – In a move that stunned European monarchs, George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army to the Continental Congress in Annapolis, Maryland. This established the vital American precedent of civilian control over the military.
- 1913: The Federal Reserve Act – President Woodrow Wilson signed this act into law, creating the Federal Reserve System. It established a central banking system for the United States to provide a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system.
December 24
- 1814: Treaty of Ghent Signed – Representatives from the U.S. and Great Britain signed a peace treaty in Belgium, officially ending the War of 1812. Though news took weeks to reach America, the treaty restored relations to status quo ante bellum (the state before the war).
- 1968: Apollo 8 Orbits the Moon – On Christmas Eve, astronauts William Anders, Jim Lovell, and Frank Borman became the first humans to orbit the moon. They captivated a global audience by reading from the Book of Genesis and capturing the famous “Earthrise” photograph.
December 25
- 1776: Washington Crosses the Delaware – In a desperate, high-stakes gamble during the Revolutionary War, George Washington led 2,400 troops across the icy Delaware River at night. This surprise move led to a victory against Hessian mercenaries at Trenton the following morning, revitalizing the American cause.
- 1868: Andrew Johnson Pardons Confederates – On Christmas Day, President Andrew Johnson issued a final, unconditional pardon and amnesty to all who had participated in the “late insurrection” (the Civil War), a controversial step intended to promote national healing.
December 26
- 1862: Largest Mass Execution in U.S. History – Following the Dakota War of 1862, 38 Dakota Sioux men were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota, by order of President Abraham Lincoln. It remains the largest single-day mass execution in the history of the United States.
- 1966: First Kwanzaa Celebration – Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor at California State University, Long Beach, inaugurated the first Kwanzaa. The holiday was created to honor African heritage in African-American culture and is observed through January 1.
December 27
- 1932: Radio City Music Hall Opens – Located in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, this iconic venue opened its doors during the Great Depression. It was designed as a “palace for the people” and became a symbol of American entertainment and Art Deco architecture.
- 1944: FDR Seizes Montgomery Ward – During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the Army to seize the headquarters of the retail giant Montgomery Ward after the company’s chairman refused to comply with a labor board ruling regarding union contracts.
December 28
- 1832: First Vice Presidential Resignation – John C. Calhoun became the first Vice President in U.S. history to resign from office. He stepped down due to political differences with President Andrew Jackson and to fill a seat in the Senate representing South Carolina.
- 1973: Endangered Species Act Signed – President Richard Nixon signed this landmark environmental law, which provides a framework for the protection of fish, wildlife, and plants that are threatened with extinction.
December 29
- 1845: Texas Annexation – The United States officially annexed the Republic of Texas, admitting it as the 28th state. This move significantly expanded U.S. territory but also escalated tensions that eventually led to the Mexican-American War.
- 1890: Wounded Knee Massacre – On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment opened fire on a group of Lakota Sioux, killing nearly 300 men, women, and children. It is considered the final major conflict of the Indian Wars.
