What Happened on November 15?

November 15 is America Recycles Day — promoting smarter waste habits — on the same date Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1777, Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific in 1805, and Brazil became a republic in 1889.

• 1777 — The Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation

  On November 15, 1777, Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation — America's first national frame of government. Read the full story →

• 1805 — Lewis and Clark reach the Pacific Ocean

  On November 15, 1805, the Corps of Discovery first sighted the Pacific near the Columbia River's mouth. Read the full story →

• 1889 — Brazil is proclaimed a republic

  On November 15, 1889, military and civilian leaders ended Brazil's monarchy and proclaimed a republic. Read the full story →

• 1920 — The League of Nations holds its first Assembly

  On November 15, 1920, the League of Nations opened its first Assembly in Geneva, hoping to prevent another world war. Read the full story →

• 1956 — Elvis Presley's film Love Me Tender premieres

  On November 15, 1956, Love Me Tender opened, marking Elvis Presley's movie debut. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986) · William Herschel (1738–1822) · Marianne Moore (1887–1972) · Daniel Barenboim (1942)

Days & observances

America Recycles Day · National Spicy Guacamole Day · National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day · Proclamation of the Republic Day (Brazil)