A Historical Letter

Dear Future,

I am the Smithsonian building situated at National Mall in Washington DC. My construction first began in the year 1847 by James Renwick, Jr., who chose to construct me with Seneca sandstone. I have friends in different states of US who keep me informed with whatever goes around there. Today, I want to relate to you everything that has been happening in the world around me from prehistory till now that is 1865.

Cultural and Economic changes

In 1840's, I saw changes in the cultural and economic infrastructure of United States. The focus was majorly on developing a market economy whereby tariffs were kept as low as possible. Network of canals, irrigation systems textiles, railways and small industries was established to facilitate and increase local manufacturing.

Since new factories were being set up, I saw the population numbers rise because of the heavy influx of immigrants. About 20 million people were added between 1840's and 1850's. These immigrants were mostly coming in from poor countries like Germany and Ireland in search of a better life. The Irish were discriminated because of their illiteracy and poverty. They inhabited lowly areas of New York City, Massachusetts and Boston and got odd jobs. The Germans were relatively well treated as they were educated and had some money. They formed their own communities in the Midwest. Their reason for migration was political unrest in their home country unlike Irish immigrants who migrated for economic reasons.

Political Events

I think you will be interested in knowing the political events that have been happening around me. I am very much into politics so, I will be able to share a lot of information with you.

The Sovereignty Debate was a popular discussion topic among my friends and I. Lewis Cass, a senator from Congress, proposed that the slavery issue should be decided by the slaves of a certain territory themselves. I have personally become a big fan of his after listening to his statement.

In 1848, I heard from a friend building in California about the Gold Rush. People from different countries in the world rushed towards California hoping to make a fortune. These particularly included miners and others. Even people from as far as china got so attracted that they literally abandoned everything to come to US in search of gold. This also led to the establishment of urban centers where the migrants settled. In the year 1855, I saw ...