June 23, 1935 Categories: General, National Timelines: General

The first American Legion Boys State convenes in Springfield, IL, to help youths gain an understanding of the structure and operation of the federal government. The first Boys Nation, bringing together youth leadership from all the Boys State programs, convenes in 1946. Today, more than 19,500 young men participate in Boys State, and 98 in Boys Nation, from 49 of the 50 states.