jul 14, 1862 - Signs "An Act to grant Pensions" (12 Stat 566) that increased pension rates and provided pensions to anyone in military service since 03/04/1861. Also benefitting were their widows and orphans (if death due to military service), or a dependent mother or sister. These pensions eventually become the largest single expenditure of the government (other than interest on the debt)
Added to timeline:
Date:
jul 14, 1862
Now
~ 163 years ago