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.

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