This Day in History April 22, 1864

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I am so glad to bring something uplifting (if not sometimes controversial) in today's feature.  On this date in 1864, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1864.  This act mandated that the motto "In God We Trust" be put on the U.S. coins.  This all seemed to come about due to the horrors of the Civil War.  People were turning to God because of all they had experienced during this horrible time in U.S. history.  It also came about to increase unity in the country.  The specific coin where this motto was found was the two-cent coin.

I found this particular story quite interesting in light of today.  I know that for some time there has been controversy surrounding this particular inscription.  Many people would like it removed.  In fact, it is probably the same people who would like for the words "under God" removed from the Pledge of Allegiance.  All I can say is that I hope and pray this part of our history will remain intact.  While a good share of people have turned away from God and the church, religion still plays a significant role in our history.  So much has been taken from us in this area that it would be nice to at least hold onto this portion of our history.

For more information, please check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coinage_Act_of_1864
http://www.westlawinsider.com/today-in-legal-history/today-in-1864-in-god-we-trust-first-appears-on-u-s-currency/
http://www.coinlink.com/News/us-coins/144-years-ago-today-coinage-act-places-%E2%80%9Cin-god-we-trust%E2%80%9D-motto-on-us-coins/
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/