History in 30th Dec

Gadsden Purchase

U.S. Minister to Mexico, James Gadsden, finalizes the purchase of land in southern New Mexico and Arizona for $15 million. After acquiring territory following the Mexican-American War, American railroad companies wanted a southern route, and President Franklin Pierce agreed to purchase the necessary land from Mexico.
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Al Smith born

Al Smith is born in New York City. Smith, nominated by the Democratic Party to run for President in 1928, was the first Catholic candidate for a major party. A fervent opponent of Prohibition, Smith served two terms as Governor of New York.
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