Flag of Tunisia
Tunisia celebrates Independence Day. France gave up control of Tunisia in 1956. Slightly smaller than the state of Wisconsin, Tunisia is located on the northern coast of Africa. Approximately 10.7 million people live in Tunisia. In the north, this country has a temperate climate with rainy winter. In the south, most of the country is in a desert. Tunis is the capital. One source of income for the country is petroleum. Older children can learn more at: Tunisia.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway opened in 1956. The 23.86 mile long bridge connects Metairie, Louisiana, and Mandeville, Louisiana. Until 2011 the structure was deemed the longest bridge over water in the world.
Empty Bus during Montgomery Bus Boycott
Montgomery Bus Boycott began in 1955. Following Rosa Parks’s arrest on December 1, 1955, African Americans boycotted buses until December 20, 1956. A Supreme Court ruling forced the integration of the bus system. Children could learn more at: Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Montgomery Bus Boyctt
Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott ended in 1956. A Supreme Court decision forced the bus company to end segregation. The boycott had begun December 5, 1955, over a year before. Children can learn more at: Bus Boycott.
Colo
Colo was the first gorilla born in captivity in 1956 at the Columbus, Ohio, Zoo. At birth she weighed a little more than three pounds. She had three children, sixteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was the oldest gorilla in captivity until she died on January 17, 2017. Children could read Colo’s Story: the Life of One Grand Gorilla, by Nancy Roe Pimm. Children can view a terrific video about her at: Colo.