US National Archives
Our Documents: Morrill Act (1862)
Primary document (and transcription) of Morrill Act, which provided land to states to use in the establishment of agricultural colleges.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Homestead Act (1862)
Original text (and transcription) of the 1862 Homestead Act, which granted land for a five-year residence for minimal fees. Accompanied by an overview of the act, including how it both helped and hindered farmers.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)
Learn about the Dred Scott decision and why it changed the course of American history even though many now consider it the worst opinion ever rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court. Includes full-page scans of the decision, a transcription,...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Jefferson's Secret Message to Congress
Read President Thomas Jefferson's secret message to Congress through which he asked for money to explore the West. The 1803 document is accompanied by transcription and overview of its content.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Patent for Cotton Gin (1794)
Interactive image of Eli Whitney's plans for the cotton gin, accompanied by an explanation of the cotton gin's purpose and significance in relation to the Industrial Revolution.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Aerial Photograph of Missiles in Cuba
This site contains information on the Soviet missile bases in Cuba that were caught by aerial photographs. The site also allows you to view a close-up of one of the photographs.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Mc Culloch v. Maryland
Learn about this landmark Supreme Court case on the issues of federal power and commerce. Provides an image of a document from the case files and a transcript of the opinion delivered in 1819 by Chief Justice John Marshall.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Lee Resolution (1776)
The Our Documents group offers information on Richard Henry Lee's 1776 resolution proposing colonial independence. See the original document, read the transcript, and download a printer-friendly version.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Treaty of Alliance With France (1778)
Use this site to learn the history of the 1778 U.S. defensive Treaty of Alliance with France, view images of the document, read a transcript, or download a printer-friendly version.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Great Seal of the United States (1782)
View and learn about the original design of the great seal, including the history of its creation and its current uses.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Social Security Act (1935)
Explanation of the importance of the Social Security Act and how it differed from social security initiatives of European countries. Includes a facsimile of the act's official entry in the Enrolled Acts and Regulations of Congress, along...
US National Archives
Our Documents: National Labor Relations Act (1935)
Explore the original document that established the National Labor Relations Board written in 1935. Also known as the Wagner Act, its intention was to give employees the right to form unions and to engage in collective bargaining.
US National Archives
National Archives: Constitutional Issues: Watergate and the Constitution
This lesson plan deals with the constitutional issue of indictment and impeachment of a U.S. President. Includes original documents and related teaching activities.
US National Archives
National Archives: Was Reconstruction a Revolution?
Students will use primary sources to answer the question "Was Reconstruction a Revolution?". Included are discussion questions, worksheets, primary sources, extension activities, and additional resources. [PDF]
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress and Harriet Tubman's Claim for a Pension
Harriet Tubman is best known for the Underground Railroad, but she also served critical roles in our federal government during the Civil War and requested a federal pension for her work. Congress debated whether or not to extend to her a...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Petition to u.s. Senate
Take a look at a 1917 anti-suffrage petition submitted to Congress by the Anti-Suffrage Party of New York that this site provides from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Woman Suffrage and the 19th Amendment/lessons
This National Archives and Records Administration site briefly discusses the background of the 19th Amendment and offers primary sources, activities, and links to related web sited for educators and students.
US National Archives
Nara: New Directions in Retirement Income
"New Directions in Retirement Income: Social Security, Pensions and Personal Savings, Testimony by Commissioner of Social Security," Kenneth S. Apfel before the Senate Committee on Finance, July 22, 1998.
US National Archives
Nara: The Clinton Inaugurations
This National Archive and Records Administration site details the day Clinton and Gore were sworn into office. Includes pictures and captions; however, some pictures have been removed from the site.
US National Archives
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library: Exhibit Galleries: The Wonder Boy
Learn why Calvin Coolidge dubbed Hoover, then secretary of commerce, "the wonder boy" and why Hoover's active interest in scientific research, safety regulations, industrial standardization, radio, flood prevention, and other...
US National Archives
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library: Hoover Timeline
Learn about the highlights of Herbert Hoover's life with this visual timeline.
US National Archives
Nara: A New Chemistry for Carbon
This National Archives and Records Administration site describes the discovery of fullerenes, a new allotrope of carbon. The chemical properties of fullerenes, their uses, and possible potential as catalysts or superconductors is mentioned.
US National Archives
Nara: Clinton: Eight Years of Peace, Progress and Prosperity
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)presents "Eight Years of Peace, Progress and Prosperity Report," the official assessment of the Clinton presidency and its accomplishments assembled by the Clinton-Gore staff.
US National Archives
Nara: Presidential Facts: Clinton
This NARA short site gives the basic facts of President Clinton. Some facts include his birthdate, his favorite food, heroes, favorite books, most memorable day, etc.