This Day in History

From History Day:

On this day in 1864 the phrase "In God We Trust" was authorized by the U.S. Congress to be used on American coins.

Let's keep in mind what was going on in April of 1864. The Civil War was still far from over with thousands dying in battles with thousands yet to come. The country was preparing for another presidential election, between incumbent Abraham Lincoln and an anti-war Democrat who would end the war at any price, even if it meant breaking up the Union.  It was about as difficult a time in America's history as there ever was.

And Congress got it right.  You can't always say that.