Wednesday · November 11, 2026
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American history, reported as it happened
Made for the 250th
On this day › November 11

What happened on November 11 in American history

November 11 is the 315th day of the year (the 316th in leap years). Patriot Compass has published 6 stories from November 11 spanning 1620 to 1982. Among them: in 1620, Aboard the Mayflower, 41 passengers bind themselves into a "civil Body Politick"; and in 1839, Virginia Military Institute opens as its own school, and a cadet walks the first post in falling snow.

1620

Aboard the Mayflower, 41 passengers bind themselves into a "civil Body Politick"

Storms have blown the ship off its course for Virginia, and some aboard are saying that no one has the power to command them.
1839Member story · 1776 Club

Virginia Military Institute opens as its own school, and a cadet walks the first post in falling snow

At the old Lexington arsenal, 23 young Virginians muster into state service, and Francis H. Smith issues the school's first order.
1889Member story · 1776 Club

Harrison signs the proclamation, and Washington becomes the 42nd state

Secretary of State Blaine tells Governor Miles Moore the exact minute: 5:27 p.m., and the territory is no more.
1921

Harding buries an unnamed soldier at Arlington as the country falls silent for two minutes

Seven allied nations present their highest decorations to a man no one can name, and the President adds the Medal of Honor.
1926Member story · 1776 Club

State highway officials approve a plan to give the nation's roads numbers instead of names

Thirty-two states are already putting up markers, and the private trail associations that named the old roads have settled for a general agreement.
1982

Columbia lifts off with four aboard, the biggest crew yet, and two commercial satellites in the bay

After four test flights, the shuttle's fifth trip is its first with customers, and its crew rides up without pressure suits.