In a study that looks at key moments in American history, a collection of essays by leading historians brings to life such important events as the Salem witch trials, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

A day in Cahokia, AD 1030 /Biloine W. Young -- The Salem witchcraft trials / Mary Beth Norton -- George Washington and the Newburgh conspiracy / Carol Berkin -- The McGillivray moment / Joseph J. Ellis -- Meriwether Lewis on the Divide / Carolyn Gilman -- The corrupt bargain / Robert V. Remini -- The Amistad trial / Paul C. Nagel -- James K. Polk and the 1844 election / Robert W. Johannsen -- Jenny Lind's American debut, 1850 / Philip B. Kunhardt III -- With John Brown at Harpers Ferry / Thomas Fleming -- The day Lincoln was shot / Jay Winik -- Chief Joseph surrenders / Mark Stevens -- La Follette speaks against the war, 1917 / Bernard Weisberger -- The road to Butgnéville, November 11, 1918 / Robert Cowley -- Trying John Scopes / Jonathan Rabb -- Lost-found nation : the last meeting between Elijah Muhammad and W.D. Fard / Kevin Baker -- The sick man in the White House / Geoffrey C. Ward -- JFK and RFK meet about Vietnam / Robert Dallek -- Memory, history, and the March on Washington / Clayborne Carson -- Lyndon Johnson confronts George Wallace / William E. Leuchtenburg.