G Howe (died 1916)

In 1814, mechanical engineer George Stephenson - who taught himself to read and write at age 18 - built the first practical steam locomotive. Named Blücher, the train was built to haul coal. It could haul 30 tons of coal up a hill at 4 mph.

In 1832, on August 2nd, the Bad Axe Massacre ended the last major Native American rebellion east of the Mississippi River. The Massacre was the last battle of the war between white settlers and militia in Illinois and Michigan Territory and the Sauk and Fox tribes. 400 - 500 of the Native American warriors were killed outright. Some escaped but were soon killed by Sioux, who were working with the US soldiers.

In 1858, in July, the "Fifty-Niners" began the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Lasting until about 1861, gold fever hit western Kansas Territory and southwestern Nebraska Territory.

In 1884, on December 6th, the Washington Monument was completed. Building began in 1848 but was stopped because of lack of funds and also due to the Civil War. It would be dedicated in 1885. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest structure in the world.

In 1916, in the year of G Howe's passing, the U.S. National Park Service - part of the Department of the Interior - was created by an act of Congress in August. The Park Service was charged with the dual role of "preserving the ecological and historical integrity of the places entrusted to its management while also making them available and accessible for public use and enjoyment". The resources managed by the National Park Service have often been referred to as the "crown jewels" of the United States.