Commentaries by Randall D. Eliason

On July 13, 1955, Ruth Ellis became the last woman to be hanged in Britain after being convicted of murder. Learn more about the hanging and trial of Ruth Ellis.

On July 13, 1787, the Continental Congress, operating under the Articles of Confederation, passed the Northwest Ordinance. Considered to be the most important piece of legislation passed under the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance created and organized the Northwest Territory, which would become the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, as well as part of Minnesota. Learn more about the Northwest Territory.