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Minstrel shows, circuses, and museums filled with oddities were just some of the major attractions amusing audiences in the 19th century. The legendary showman Phineas T. Barnum kept America gazing in wonder for decades, and Stephen Foster, despite his own tragic life, would keep America singing. In Britain, playwrights like Oscar Wilde kept audiences laughing and thinking.

Cards for St. Valentine's Day Become a Tradition
Read about how the Valentine Card became a longstanding American tradition in the mid-1800s. In Massachusetts a young woman began manufacturing Valentine cards, and in Victorian England the noted illustrator Kate Greenaway produced very popular Valentines. By the end of the century, St. Valentine's Day was firmly established as a holiday.

Christmas Trees Became a Tradition in the 19th Century
A look at the history of Christmas trees shows that decorated trees had appeared in America even before Prince Albert and Queen Victoria made them fashionable.

19th Century Image Galleries
A collection of vintage images of historic people and events of the 19th century.

Political Terminology From the 19th Century
Our common political terms often have a colorful past and 19th century roots.

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