Library of Congress
Today in History - September 20

Today in History - September 20

The United States Congress abolished the slave trade in the District of Columbia on September 20, 1850, as part of the legislative package called the Compromise of 1850.  Continue reading.

On September 20, 1853, Elisha Graves Otis sold his first "hoist machine", or elevator featuring an automatic safety brake that he had recently patented.  Continue reading.

On September 20, 1881, Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the twenty-first president of the United States, assuming the presidency upon the death of James A. Garfield.  Continue reading.

Click here to search Today in History for other historic moments.

 

You are subscribed to Today in History from the Library of Congress.

Congress.gov: Most-Viewed Bills Update

  1. H.R.6509 [119th] - SAFE Drugs Act of 2025
  2. H.R.3633 [119th] - Digital Asset Market Clarity Act
  3. S.4668 [119th] - Protect College Sports Act of 2026
  4. H.R.5334 [119th] - Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
  5. S.2296 [119th] - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
  6. S.5025 [119th] - Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026
  7. H.R.1 [119th] - An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
  8. H.R.9340 [119th] - Ratepayer Protection Act
  9. H.R.1332 [118th] - Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act
  10. S.2976 [119th] - HIRE Act