November 11, 1939:

U.S.A.

“God Bless America” was first sung. Throughout the years, and especially since the Sept. 11 attacks, this song has become like a second national anthem. Written during World War I by Irving Berlin, it was not heard in public until 22 years later.

November 13, 1927:

New York, N.Y.

The Holland Tunnel was officially opened. Before this, the only way to get from New Jersey to Manhattan in a car was via the ferry.

November 14, 1851:

U.S.A.

Moby Dick was published. The voluminous novel by Herman Melville was to become one of the greatest works of American literature—to be praised by scholars and dreaded by students across the nation.