THIS DAY @ LAW

Last hanging of a woman in the UK

On July 13, 1955, Ruth Ellis became the last woman to be hanged in Britain after being convicted of murder.

Learn more about the hanging and trial of Ruth Ellis.

Continental Congress passes Northwest Ordinance

On July 13, 1787, the Continental Congress, operating under the Articles of Confederation, passed the Northwest Ordinance. Considered to be the most important piece of legislation passed under the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance created and organized the Northwest Territory, which would become that states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and part of Minnesota.

Learn more about the Northwest Territory from Ohio History Central.