December 6 Birthday
On December 6, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery throughout the United States. The amendment had been passed by the Senate in April 1864 and by the House in January 1865 — the House vote required Lincoln's personal lobbying and the promise of patronage. Georgia's ratification provided the necessary three-fourths majority. The amendment stated: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime... shall exist within the United States." The exception clause has been interpreted as permitting forced prison labor, a practice that continues. The Washington Monument was completed on December 6, 1884, when the capstone was set. It had been under construction for thirty-six years, interrupted by the Civil War and lack of funds. At 555 feet, it was the tallest building in the world — a title it held until the Eiffel Tower surpassed it in 1889. The monument is still the tallest stone structure in the world. People born on December 6 fall under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. The birthstone is Tanzanite and the birth flower is Holly. Historical events on December 6 include 1865: 13th Amendment ratified — abolishing slavery in the United States, 1884: Washington Monument completed at 555 feet tall, 1921: Anglo-Irish Treaty signed, establishing Irish Free State. Famous people born on December 6 include Dave Brubeck (1920), Agnes Moorehead (1900), JoBeth Williams (1953).