A land deed dated May 31, 1664 in which Willem Hoffmeyer purchased three islands in the Hudson River near present day Troy, New York from members of the Mahican tribe. This would have been during the period of Dutch colonial influence in the region, just before the British took control of New Netherland later that year.

So what did Willem give the Mahicans in exchange for the islands? 
Two rugs, two muskets, two kettles, four handfuls of powder, two bars of lead, one fur cap, two shirts, ten strings of wampum, five strings of tobacco, one child’s coat of duffels, one child’s shirt, six knives, one hatchet, one adze, two pouches, two pairs of socks and one duffel coat.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain 

On May 31, 1790 President George Washington signed the first U.S. copyright act into law.
Terms were for 14 years with an option to renew 14 additional years if the copyright holder was still living. 

Print of President George Washington c. 1793 via National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, no known restrictions

On May 31, 1820, members of the newly formed Government of Maine paraded the streets of Portland. They were accompanied by a military escort of riflemen and infantry. Music by Beethoven was performed and prayers were said before legislators took the oath to the State’s Constitution. 

Image of Maine’s first Governor, William King via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. 

Looking down Main Street after the Great flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that occurred on May 31, 1889.

Over 2,200 lives were lost in the tragedy.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

“The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem.”

– Walt Whitman 

Walt Whitman was born on today’s date May 31, 1819 in West Hills, New York.
 In addition to being a journalist, Whitman also served as a volunteer in Washington, DC’s military hospitals during the Civil War. He has been called the first “poet of democracy” in the US. 

Image of Walt Whitman c. 1864 via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

“Gutzon Borglum and supt. inspecting work on face [nose] of Washington, Mt. Rushmore, S.D.”

 May 31, 1932

via Library of Congress, no known restrictions 

“A kiss of congratulations. W.F. Cassidy of Forth Worth, Tex., one of the 463 graduates of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis today, receives a kiss of congratulations from his sweetheart Helen Fisher of Annapolis, Maryland.”

– May 31, 1934

via Library of Congress, no known restrictions 

American track and field star Lucile Ellerbe Godbold, gold medalist in shot put at the 1922 Women’s World Games was born on May 31, 1900 in Marion County, South Carolina.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath was born on May 31, 1943, in Beaver Falls, PA. Known for his charismatic personality and undeniable talent, he became a sports icon. Beyond football, Namath made multiple TV appearances and acted in 11 movies, including the 1971 film “The Last Rebel.”

Image of Namath with Bobby on the Brady Bunch c. 1973 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Eleanor Roosevelt, Mrs. James (Betsy Cushing) Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, James Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt’s mother, Mrs. James (Sara) Roosevelt, posed standing under big guns on the cruiser USS Indianapolis, during a fleet review off New York City, May 31, 1934

Image via LOC, no known restrictions 

Members of a machine gun section moving along hill to new position. Okinawa. 31 May, 1945.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain 

American entertainer Don Ameche was born on May 31st, 1908 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

During the presidential election of 1952, Ameche supported Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Image: Don Ameche in 1946 by NBC via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Happy Birthday Clint Eastwood.

Born on May 31, 1930 in San Francisco, California.

Image: Clint Eastwood in A Fistful of Dollars, 1964 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

A photo of the RMS Titanic just after she was launched in Belfast on May 31, 1911.

Notice that she was launched before her four funnels were installed. After they were installed, only 3 of her 4 funnels were functional. 

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain