1654: Approximately 150 Jewish families of Portuguese background fled the city of Recife, in Pernambuco, Brazil and by September many had established the first community of Jews in the future United States.

1802: Congress called for a library to be established within the U.S. Capitol.

1837: Michigan became the 26th state.

1861: Louisiana seceded from the Union.

1870: Virginia rejoined the Union.

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