Six months after the congress of the Republic of Texas accepted
the United States annexation of the territory, Texas was admitted
into the U.S. as the 28th state.

The Annexation of Texas to the Union, by Donald M. Yena, 1986.

President Eisenhower signs the official proclamation admitting
Hawaii into the Union.

The modern United States receives its crowning star when President
Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting Hawaii into the
Union as the 50th state. The president also issued an order for an
American flag featuring 50 stars arranged in staggered rows: five six-
star rows and four five-star rows. The new flag became official July 4,
1960.

The first known settlers of the Hawaiian Islands were Polynesian
voyagers who arrived sometime in the eighth century. In the early
18th century, American traders came to Hawaii to exploit the islands’
sandalwood, which was much valued in China at the time. In the
1830s, the sugar industry was introduced to Hawaii and by the mid
19th century had become well established. American missionaries
and planters brought about great changes in Hawaiian political,
cultural, economic, and religious life. In 1840, a constitutional
monarchy was established, stripping the Hawaiian monarch of
much of his authority.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEAVER STATE!

Mount Hood is the highest peak in Oregon.

Retired singer Kenneth Ray Rogers is 81 today.

Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, sometimes billed as The First Edition, was an eclectic rock band whose styles ranged from rock
and roll to R&B, folk, and country.

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

ED DANAHUE

On this is day in 1845, President James Polk and signed legislation making Texas the 28th state of the United States.

Boundaries of Texas after the annexation in 1845.

Depiction of Anson Jones lowering Republic flag following
annexation by the United States.

The U.S. and Texas flags at the Texas State Capitol.

The first American Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was organized, in Boston, MA. on this day in 1851. 

A group of evangelicals from several Boston churches, led by retired sea
captain  and lay preacher Thomas Valentine Sullivan, founded the first
YMCA in the United States. Modeled on the original YMCA established in
London in 1844 by George Williams, this new organization offered a safe
gathering place, opportunities for socializing, bible-study classes and
prayer meetings.

 
Thomas Valentine Sullivan                        George Williams