ⁿThe American flag is raised on land for the first time at Prospect Hill in Sommerville, Massachusetts.
²1816
ⁿU.S. Public debt surpasses $100 million for the first time.
²1863
ⁿPresident Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation, which frees the slaves. The Homestead Act of the United States also goes into effect.
²1892
ⁿThe Ellis Island immigrant receiving station located in New York Harbor opens.
²1902
ⁿThe first Rose Bowl football game takes place in Pasadena, California, with the University of Michigan defeating Stanford 49-0.
²1931
ⁿAdolf Hitler opens the "Brown House" in Munich, Germany, which served as a headquarters for his National Socialist party.
²1955
ⁿU.S. foreign aid to Cambodia, Laos and South Vietnam begins.
²1959
ⁿAs the Cuban revolution triumphs, Dictator Fulgencio Batista flees Cuba.
²1979
ⁿFull diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China are established.
■0102
²1788
ⁿGeorgia is admitted into the Union when it ratifies the Constitution by a unanimous vote.
²1888
ⁿA patent for the drinking straw is granted to Marvin Chester Stone of Washington, D.C.
²1915
ⁿCongress passes a bill that requires immigrants to pass a literacy test.
²1935
ⁿThe trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, who is charged with the kidnapping and murder of Charles A. Lindbergh's son, begins in Flemington, N.J.
²1942
ⁿU.S. General Douglas MacArthur evacuates his troops as the Japanese take Manila in the Philippines. (WW 2)
²1959
ⁿFidel Castro, leader of the Cuban revolution, takes control of Cuba.
²1960
ⁿSenator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts announces that he will seek the 1960 Democratic Presidential nomination.
■0103
²1777
ⁿGeneral George Washington brilliantly leads his soldiers to defeat three British regiments at the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey, during the Revolutionary War.
²1866
ⁿEdwin Booth, the brother of John Wilkes Booth, makes a successful comeback from his retirement from the stage when he opens in "Hamlet" in New York.
²1933
ⁿNorth Dakota's Minnie Davenport Craig becomes the first woman Speaker of the House in a state legislature.
²1942
ⁿDuring World War II, Chiang Kai-shek is named Commander in Chief of the Allied forces in China.
²1959
ⁿAlaska becomes the 49th state when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting it to the Union.
²1961
ⁿThe United States severs diplomatic relations with Cuba after a year of increasing antagonism; the final straw was Cuba's demand that the U.S. reduce its Havana Embassy staff to 11 employees within just 48 hours.
■0104
²1862
ⁿBath, in western Virginia, is occupied by confederates commanded by Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War.
²1896
ⁿUtah becomes the 45th state admitted into the Union.
²1904
ⁿThe Supreme Court rules that the United States cannot refuse admission to Puerto Rican citizens.
²1933
ⁿIowa farmers threaten to lynch insurance company representatives or law officials who foreclose on their farms for the duration of the Depression.
²1960
ⁿThe longest strike in the United States, begun on July 15, 1959, by the United Steel Workers, ends.
²1987
ⁿIn the worst train accident in Amtrak's history, 15 people are killed in Chase, Maryland.
■0105
²1776
ⁿThe New Hampshire Colony approves its first state constitution.
²1818
ⁿThe first ocean liner in the world, the James Monroe, sails from New York to Liverpool, England on its maiden voyage.
²1914
ⁿThe Ford Motor Company announces that it will more than double its wage scale, creating a $5 daily minimum wage, and also reduces its work day from nine to eight hours.
²1925
ⁿA woman, Mrs. Nellie Taylor Ross, is sworn in as the governor of a state (Wyoming) for the first time in U.S. history after being elected to fill the unexpired term of her late husband, Governor William B. Ross.
²1933
ⁿThe 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, dies.
²1949
ⁿDuring his State of the Union speech to Congress, President Harry S. Truman calls his administration the "Fair Deal."
²1968
ⁿDr. Benjamin Spock, the well known pediatrician and author, is convicted of conspiracy to aid and abet draft evasion in connection with the Vietnam conflict.
■0106
²1759
ⁿGeorge Washington and Martha Dandridge Custis, the widow of Daniel Parke Custis of Virginia, are married.
²1838
ⁿThe telegraph is publicly demonstrated for the first time at the Speedwell Iron Works at Morristown, New Jersey, by inventor Samuel F.B. Morse and his partner, Alfred Vail.
²1878
√Birthday of American writer and poet Carl Sandburg, who is also known for his biography of Abraham Lincoln.
²1912
ⁿNew Mexico is admitted to the Union as the 47th state.
²1919
ⁿFormer President Theodore Roosevelt dies at his home in Oyster Bay, New York.
²1958
ⁿThe song "At the Hop," sung by Danny and the Juniors, becomes the number one record in the U.S.
²1973
ⁿCarly Simon's "You're So Vain" becomes the number one seller in the U.S.
■0107
²1798
ⁿAmericans vote for a President of the United States in the first election.
²1800
√Birthday of the 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, in Cayuga County, New York.
²1830
ⁿCommercial railroad service begins when a horse-drawn carriage leaves Baltimore on the first stretch of track completed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company.
²1896
ⁿ"The Mother of Level Measurements," Fannie Farmer, publishes her first cookbook, one of the all-time best sellers.
²1924
ⁿOnly 26 years old, George Gershwin finishes the piano score of "Rhapsody in Blue."
²1927
ⁿTransatlantic telephone service between New York and London is made available to the general public.
²1959
ⁿThe United States officially recognizes the new Fidel Castro-led government of Cuba.
■0108
²1815
ⁿGeneral Andrew Jackson leads U.S. soldiers to victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans, which was fought two weeks after the "Treaty of Ghent" officially ended the War of 1812.
²1867
ⁿCongress overrides President Andrew Johnson's veto of a bill that gives blacks the right to vote in Washington, D.C.
²1918
ⁿIn a speech before the Joint Session of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson identifies his 14 points for maintaining a "just and lasting peace" after World War I.
²1925
ⁿIn his first American appearance, Russian composer Igor Stravinsky conducts the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra in a program of his compositions.
²1963
ⁿ"The Mona Lisa," by Leonardo DaVinci, goes on exhibit for the first time in the U.S. at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and is viewed by President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy and other guests.
■0109
²1788
ⁿConnecticut is admitted into the Union as the fifth state to ratify the Constitution.
²1793
ⁿThe first successful balloon flight in the U.S. takes place as Jean Pierre Blanchard flies from Philadelphia to Woodbury, New Jersey. Spectators included President Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Paul Revere.
²1861
ⁿMississippi secedes from the Union.
²1913
√Birthday of Richard M. Nixon, 37th President of the United States, in Yorba Linda, California.
²1964
ⁿViolence erupts in Panama after U.S. students at the Zone's Balboa High School raise the American flag without also raising the Panamanian flag, which violates a 1963 agreement between the two nations.
²1968
ⁿSurveyor 7 lands on the moon and transmits pictures of it back to Earth.
■0110
²1776
ⁿThomas Paine publishes "Common Sense," which proposes that the colonies should separate from Great Britain and create their own government.
²1861
ⁿFlorida secedes from the Union.
²1876
ⁿJohn D. Rockefeller forms the Standard Oil Company of Ohio.
²1917
ⁿFrontier scout and showman William F. ("Buffalo Bill") Cody dies.
²1923
ⁿU.S. troops, stationed in Germany since the end of World War I, are recalled.
²1946
ⁿU.S. delegates attend the first United Nations General Assembly meeting in London.
²1964
ⁿPanama severs diplomatic relations with the U.S. following the flag incident of January 9.
²1984
ⁿThe United States restores diplomatic relations with the Vatican, which had been severed in 1867.
■0111
²1795
ⁿThe Continental Congress convenes in New York, which is the temporary capital of the U.S.
²1861
ⁿAlabama secedes from the Union.
²1863
ⁿUnion troops capture Fort Hindman, Arkansas, during the Civil War.
²1935
ⁿAmelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly solo between California and Hawaii.
■0112
²1737
√Birthday of John Hancock, onetime president of the Continental Congress and Declaration of Independence signer.
²1812
ⁿThe first steamboat to sail down the Mississippi River docks in New Orleans.
²1828
ⁿThe United States and Mexico agree on a common boundary--the Sabine River.
²1942
ⁿPresident Franklin Roosevelt establishes the War Labor Board to ensure that labor disputes won't halt the flow of war materials.
■0113
²1854
ⁿPacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, is founded.
²1863
ⁿDuring the Civil War, the U.S. authorizes the raising of Negro troops for the South Carolina Volunteer Infantry.
²1864
ⁿStephen Foster dies in Bellevue Hospital in New York. When found ill in his hotel room three days earlier, his worldly goods consisted of 35 cents and a slip of paper with the words "Dear friends and gentle hearts" written on it.
²1877
ⁿA New York Times literary critic finds Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" to be "unnecessarily sinister."
²1982
ⁿSeventy-eight people are killed when an Air Florida jet crashes into a bridge that crosses the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
■0114
²1639
ⁿConnecticut's Roger Ludlow develops the first constitution in the Colonies.
²1864
ⁿGeneral William T. Sherman's Union troops occupy Meridian, Mississippi, during the Civil War.
²1875
√Birthday of medical missionary Dr. Albert Schweitzer.
²1914
ⁿHenry Ford inaugurates his "assembly line" technique that revolutionized the manufacture of automobiles and of goods in other industries.
²1943
ⁿPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill begin a 10-day conference at Casablanca, Morocco, to plan Allied strategies. (WW 2)
²1964
ⁿMrs. John F. Kennedy (Jackie) expresses her gratitude for 800,000 sympathy messages on national television, her first public statement since the death of her husband.
■0115
²1780
ⁿThe Continental Congress creates the Court of Appeals.
²1804
ⁿNew Jersey abolishes slavery and is the last Northern state to do so.
²1844
ⁿThe University of Notre Dame is founded in South Bend, Indiana.
²1865
ⁿThe last Confederate port is closed when Union forces take Fort Fisher, North Carolina during the Civil War.
²1870
ⁿThe first cartoon depicting a donkey in connection with the Democratic Party is published in Harper's Weekly.
²1927
ⁿThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is founded in Hollywood, California.
²1943
ⁿThe Pentagon Building in Arlington, Virginia, officially opens.
■0116
²1868
ⁿWilliam Davis of Detroit, Michigan, receives a patent for his refrigerator car.
²1883
ⁿThe Pendleton Act, which provides for the U.S. Civil Service Commission, goes into effect.
²1893
ⁿHawaiian Queen Liliuokalani is overthrown by U.S. troops to protect American lives and property.
²1942
ⁿActress Carole Lombard, her mother and 20 other passengers are killed when a commercial airplane crashes near Las Vegas, Nevada.
²1967
ⁿLucius Amerson of Tuskegee, Alabama, is elected sheriff, making him the first black sheriff in the South since Reconstruction.
■0117
²1706
√Birthday of Benjamin Franklin, an American journalist, inventor, philosopher, statesman, diplomat and author.
²1893
ⁿThe 19th President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes, dies in Fremont, Ohio.
²1916
ⁿThe Professional Golfers Association (PGA) is formed.
²1917
ⁿThe U.S. buys the Virgin Islands from Denmark, which had owned them almost continuously since 1671, for $25 million.
²1977
ⁿGary Gillmore, executed in Utah by firing squad, becomes the first convicted murderer to be executed in the U.S. in over 10 years.
■0118
²1782
√Birthday of Daniel Webster, an American statesman and onetime Secretary of State.
²1803
ⁿPresident Thomas Jefferson seeks the appropriation of $2,500 to fund the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
²1861
ⁿVassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, is founded.
²1862
ⁿThe 10th President of the United States, John Tyler, dies in Richmond, Virginia.
²1911
ⁿPilot Eugene Ely lands an airplane on the deck of the U.S.S. Pennsylvania, becoming the first man to land on the deck of a ship.
■0119
²1807
√Birthday of Robert E. Lee, the commander-in-chief of the Confederate armies during the Civil War.
²1809
√Birthday of Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer of poems and short stories, including "The Raven" and "The Pit and the Pendulum."
²1861
ⁿGeorgia secedes from the Union.
²1869
ⁿSusan B. Anthony becomes president of the American Equal Rights Association.
²1937
ⁿHoward Hughes sets a new transcontinental air record by flying across the U.S. in 7 hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds.
²1955
ⁿMoving picture and television cameras cover a Presidential news conference for the first time.
■0120
²1801
ⁿJohn Marshall of Virginia is appointed Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
²1887
ⁿThe U.S. Senate approves the leasing of Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands for a U.S. Navy base.
²1891
ⁿLiliuokalani is crowned queen of Hawaii following the death of her brother, King Kalakaua.
²1892
ⁿThe first basketball game is played in Springfield, Massachusetts.
²1941
ⁿFranklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his third term and is the first President to receive that honor.
²1981
ⁿIran releases the 52 American hostages taken at the U.S. Embassy in Teheran in November, 1979.
■0121
²1785
ⁿThe Ottawa and Wyandot Indians cede their Ohio land to the U.S. in the Treaty of Fort McIntosh.
²1824
√Birthday of Thomas Jonathan ("Stonewall") Jackson, a famous Confederate general.
²1888
ⁿThe Amateur Athletic Union is formed.
²1924
ⁿMount Hood National Forest in Oregon is established.
²1954
ⁿThe U.S.S. Nautilus becomes the first atomic submarine in the U.S. when it is launched in Groton, Connecticut.
²1977
ⁿPresident Jimmy Carter pardons Vietnam draft dodgers.
■0122
²1789
ⁿThe first American novel, "The Power of Sympathy," by Sarah Wentworth Morton (under the pseudonym "Philenia") is published in Boston.
²1903
ⁿThe United States gains control of the Panama Canal for 99 years when the U. S. and Colombia sign the Hay-Herran Treaty.
²1944
ⁿAllied troops land in Anzio, Italy, as they try to outflank the retreating German Army. (WW 2)
²1973
ⁿThe 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, dies in Johnson City, Texas.
²1973
ⁿThe Supreme Court rules that state laws prohibiting abortions prior to the third month of pregnancy are unconstitutional in "Roe v. Wade."
■0123
²1845
ⁿCongress rules that all national elections will take place on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in the month of November.
²1945
ⁿAllied forces take St. Vith in France as the Germans retreat near the end of World War II.
²1964
ⁿThe poll tax, which required payment of a tax in order to be able to participate in federal elections, is banned by the Twenty-fourth Amendment to the Constitution.
²1968
ⁿNorth Korean patrol boats capture the U.S.S. Pueblo off the coast of North Korea.
■0124
²1722
ⁿHarvard College professor Edward Wigglesworth is the first divinity professor in the Colonies.
²1848
ⁿWhile building a sawmill for John Augustus Sutter, James W. Marshall discovers gold in a branch of the Sacramento River near Coloma, California, setting off the gold rush.
²1922
ⁿA patent for the "Eskimo Pie," a brick of ice cream encased in a chocolate coating, was granted to Christian K. Nelson of Onawa, Iowa.
²1965
ⁿAmericans as well as the citizens of other countries around the world mourn the death of Sir Winston Churchill.
²1986
ⁿVoyager 2 discovers new rings and moons around Uranus when it flies within 50,679 miles of the planet.
²1987
ⁿMoslem terrorists kidnap three American faculty members of Beirut University in Lebanon.
■0125
²1787
ⁿDaniel Shays, a captain in the Revolutionary Army, and 2,000 other discontented rebels march on the Springfield, Mass., Federal Arsenal, hoping to overthrow the government. The revolt, known as Shays' Rebellion, was broken up.
²1890
ⁿGuns blast a welcome across New York Bay to honor Nellie Bly, reporter for The New York World who has just returned from a 72 day, six hour and 11 minute trip around the world.
²1915
ⁿThe first transcontinental telephone call is made between New York and San Francisco.
²1961
ⁿPresident John F. Kennedy conducts the first televised presidential press conference.
²1971
ⁿCharles Manson is convicted of murdering Sharon Tate and six others in 1969.
²1978
ⁿOne thousand people die as a result of a Midwest blizzard.
■0126
²1837
ⁿMichigan becomes the 26th state in the Union.
²1838
ⁿThe first prohibition law in the U.S. is approved by Tennessee.
²1861
ⁿLouisiana secedes from the Union.
²1870
ⁿVirginia is readmitted to the Union.
²1915
ⁿCongress creates Rocky Mountain National Park.
²1954
ⁿA Board of Inquiry, investigating the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, finds Admiral Kimmel, the Pearl Harbor fleet commander-in-chief, guilty of "dereliction of duty."
■0127
²1785
ⁿThe University of Georgia becomes America's first state university.
²1880
ⁿThomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park, New Jersey, is granted a patent for an electric incandescent lamp.
²1888
ⁿThe National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C.
²1951
ⁿAn atomic bomb is exploded at the Yucca Flats test site, which is 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada.
²1967
ⁿThe Apollo spacecraft burns, still on the launchpad, killing astronauts Roger Chaffee, Virgil Grissom and Edward White.
²1973
ⁿA pact that calls for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Vietnam within 90 days is signed by the United States, South Vietnam, North Vietnam and the Vietcong.
■0128
²1851
ⁿNorthwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, is founded.
²1878
ⁿThe first commercial telephone switchboard is put into operation in New Haven, Connecticut, with 21 "subscribers."
²1902
ⁿCarnegie Institution is established with a gift of $10 million from Andrew Carnegie.
²1915
ⁿLegislation is passed that creates the U.S. Coast Guard, which is a combination of the Life Saving Service and the Revenue Cutter Service.
²1979
ⁿDeng Xiaoping becomes the first Communist Chinese leader to visit the United States.
²1986
ⁿSeven astronauts, including the Concord, New Hampshire, school teacher Christi McAuliff, when the space shuttle Challenger explodes only a few seconds after liftoff.
■0129
²1802
ⁿJohn Beckley becomes the first Library of Congress librarian.
²1843
√Birthday of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States.
²1861
ⁿKansas joins the Union as the 34th state.
²1900
ⁿThe American League of baseball is formed in Philadelphia and is composed of eight teams: Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee and Minneapolis.
²1935
ⁿThe Senate votes against U.S. participation in the World Court.
²1936
ⁿThe Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York, inducts its first five players: Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner.
²1946
ⁿThe Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is established.
■0130
²1815
ⁿThe U.S. government restores the Library of Congress, which had been destroyed in 1814 when invading British troops burned the Capitol, by purchasing Thomas Jefferson's 7,000-volume library for $25,000.
²1835
ⁿThe first assassination attempt ever made on a U.S. President is made when Richard Lawrence, a painter, shoots twice at President Andrew Jackson but misses both times.
²1882
√Birthday of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States and the only one to be elected to more than two terms of office.
²1933
ⁿ"The Lone Ranger" radio program is broadcast for the first time.
²1968
ⁿThe North Vietnamese begin the Tet Offensive, a massive assault, during the Vietnam War.
²1973
ⁿG. Gordon Liddy and James McCord are convicted of breaking into the Watergate Building offices of the Democratic National Committee.
■0131
²1865
ⁿConfederate President Jefferson Davis appoints General Robert E. Lee as the commander-in-chief of the Confederate armies.
²1934
ⁿActing under the Gold Reserve Act, President Franklin Roosevelt devalues the American dollar, fixing it at 59.06 cents in gold value.
²1950
ⁿPresident Harry Truman announces that he has ordered the development of the hydrogen bomb.
²1958
ⁿThe U.S. launches its first earth satellite, Explorer I, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
²1961
ⁿA male chimpanzee named Ham is sent into space in a test of the Project Mercury capsule that has been designed to carry an astronaut into orbit around the earth.
■0201
²1790
ⁿThe United States Supreme Court holds its first session in the Royal Exchange Building in New York City.
²1861
ⁿTexas secedes from the Union.
²1862
ⁿ"The Battle Hymn of the Republic," with words penned by Julia Ward Howe, is published for the first time in Atlantic Monthly.
²1898
ⁿThe Travelers Insurance Company issues the first automobile insurance.
²1956
ⁿOn orders issued by a federal court, 26-year-old black student Autherine Lucy is admitted to the University of Alabama.
■0202
²1827
ⁿThe Supreme Court rules that the final authority to commit troops belongs to the President.
²1848
ⁿMexico signs a treaty with the United States that cedes Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California to the U.S. for $15 million.
²1876
ⁿBaseball's National League is organized with eight teams: Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Hartford, Louisville, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis.
²1913
ⁿNew York's Grand Central terminal officially opens.
■0203
²1690
ⁿAmerica's first paper money is issued by Massachusetts.
²1811
√Birthday of Horace Greeley, founder of the New York Tribune in 1841.
²1913
ⁿThe Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which gives Congress the power to "lay and collect taxes on incomes," becomes law when Wyoming ratifies it.
²1924
ⁿFormer President Woodrow Wilson dies at his home in Washington.
²1959
ⁿRichie Valens and Buddy Holly are killed when their plane crashes in Ames, Iowa.
■0204
²1861
ⁿDelegates from six states that have seceded from the Union--Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina--form the Confederate States of America at Montgomery, Alabama.
²1932
ⁿThe Winter Olympics, the first held in the United States, begin in Lake Placid, New York.
²1938
ⁿPlacing Nazi friends in key positions, Adolf Hitler takes control of Germany.
²1941
ⁿThe USO (United Service Organizations) is founded to serve the needs of those in the armed forces.
²1987
ⁿThe United States takes the America's Cup from Australia with a win from the yacht Stars & Stripes.
■0205
²1736
ⁿMethodism is introduced to the Colonies when John Wesley arrives in Georgia.
²1862
ⁿUnion soldiers commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant capture Fort Henry, which is located on the Tennessee River during the Civil War.
²1974
ⁿPatricia Hearst is kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army.
²1988
ⁿGeneral Manuel Noriega of Panama is indicted in a Miami federal court for accepting over $4.5 million in payoffs from drug dealers.
■0206
²1788
ⁿMassachusetts joins the Union as the sixth state.
²1821
ⁿGeorge Washington University, located in Washington, D.C., is founded.
²1911
√Birthday of Ronald Reagan, 39th President of the United States.
²1943
ⁿGeneral Dwight D. Eisenhower is appointed commander-in-chief of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in North Africa.
²1964
ⁿFidel Castro orders the water supply to the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to be cut off.
²1974
ⁿThe House of Representatives approves an impeachment inquiry against President Richard Nixon.
■0207
²1885
√Birthday of Sinclair Lewis, the first American writer to win the Nobel Prize for literature.
²1948
ⁿGeneral Dwight D. Eisenhower resigns as the army chief of staff.
²1964
ⁿKennedy International Airport in New York is "mobbed" by more than 3,000 fans awaiting the arrival of The Beatles.
■0208
²1693
ⁿThe College of William & Mary, the second oldest college in the nation, is founded.
²1820
√Birthday of William Tecumseh Sherman, Union general in the Civil War and leader of the famous "March to the Sea."
²1910
ⁿThe Boy Scouts of America organization is incorporated in Washington, D.C.
²1918
ⁿThe American Expeditionary Forces' official weekly newspaper, The Stars and Stripes, is published for the first time.
²1969
ⁿThe last issue of the original Saturday Evening Post is published.
■0209
²1773
√Birthday of William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States.
²1861
ⁿThe Confederate Congress elects Jefferson Davis president and Alexander H. Stephens vice president of the Confederacy.
²1871
ⁿThe United States Weather Bureau is established.
²1964
ⁿThe Beatles make the first U.S. television appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
■0210
²1763
ⁿThe Treaty of Paris of 1763 is signed, ending the French and Indian War.
²1846
ⁿBrigham Young and his Mormon followers move west from Nauvoo, Illinois.
²1933
ⁿThe Postal Telegraph Company in New York begins to deliver "singing telegrams."
²1936
ⁿThe Gestapo, or Nazi secret police, is given control of the concentration camps and independence from the civil courts.
²1962
ⁿU-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, who was shot down in the USSR in 1960, is released in exchange for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel.
■0211
²1839
ⁿThe University of Missouri, located in Columbia, is founded.
²1847
√Birthday of Thomas Alva Edison, American inventor, at Milan, Ohio.
²1933
ⁿDeath Valley National Monument is established.
■0212
²1809
√Birthday of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, in Kentucky.
²1825
ⁿThe Creek Indians cede all of their Georgia land to the United States.
²1870
ⁿSuffrage is granted to all women in the Territory of Utah.
■0213
²1635
ⁿThe oldest public school in America, the Boston Latin School, is established in Boston, Massachusetts.
²1851
ⁿThe University of Minnesota is founded in St. Paul.
²1914
ⁿThe American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is formed in New York City to protect their copyrighted material against illegal performance or publication.
²1976
ⁿDorothy Hamill wins the gold medal in figure skating at the Innsbruck, Austria, Winter Olympics.
■0214
²1859
ⁿOregon joins the Union as the 33rd state.
²1894
√Birthday of Benny Kubelsky (Jack Benny), a celebrated American comedian, in Waukegan, Illinois.
²1903
ⁿThe Department of Commerce and Labor is created by an act signed into law.
²1912
ⁿArizona joins the Union as the 48th state.
²1929
ⁿSeven members of the O'Bannion Gang, rivals of the Al Capone gang, are murdered in Chicago by five unidentified gangsters in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
■0215
²1820
√Birthday of Susan B. Anthony, who was a pioneer in the crusade for women's rights.
²1862
ⁿThe first ironclad vessel of the U.S. Navy, the Monitor, is completed after only 126 days of construction.
²1879
ⁿA bill that will admit women to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court is signed into law by President Rutherford B. Hayes.
²1898
ⁿThe U.S. battleship Maine is sunk in Havana Harbor and 260 crew members die. Believing that the ship was fired upon by the Spanish, the public became inflamed and the cry "Remember the Maine!" was born.
²1980
ⁿWalter Cronkite, the anchorman for CBS, announces his retirement
■0216
²1933
ⁿThe 21st Amendment is passed, ending prohibition, which was established with the 18th Amendment.
²1937
ⁿA patent is issued to Dr. Wallace Corothers for nylon fiber.
²1945
ⁿAmerican paratroopers begin to land on Corregidor in the Philippines and plant the U.S. flag there.
²1947
ⁿAdmiral Richard E. Byrd flies over the South Pole for the second time (the first was in 1929) and drops the United Nations flag.
²1959
ⁿFidel Castro is sworn in as Cuba's premier.
■0217
²1817
ⁿThe first American city street is illuminated by gas lights in Baltimore.
²1870
ⁿEsther Morris of South Pass, Wyoming, becomes the United States' first woman judge.
²1893
ⁿThe University of Montana is established in Missoula.
²1944
ⁿU.S. troops land on the Japanese-held base of Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands. (WW 2)
²1988
ⁿMoslem terrorists kidnap Marine Colonel William R. Higgins in Lebanon.
■0218
²1861
ⁿThe Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians give up their claims to nearly all of Colorado.
²1861
ⁿJefferson Davis is sworn in as president of the Confederate States of America.
²1930
ⁿAstronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh discovers the planet Pluto from the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.
²1953
ⁿLucille Ball and Desi Arnaz sign a contract for $8 million to continue the "I Love Lucy" program through 1955.
■0219
²1803
ⁿOhio joins the Union as the 17th state.
²1878
ⁿThomas Edison receives a patent for the phonograph.
²1945
ⁿU.S. Marines land on Iwo Jima. (WW 2)
■0220
²1792
ⁿThe Federal Post Office is established when President George Washington signs the first postal act.
²1809
ⁿThe U.S. Supreme Court rules that the federal government's power is greater than the power of any individual state in the union.
²1950
ⁿSenator Joseph R. McCarthy (R-Wis.) speaks to the Senate for almost six hours, providing information on 81 State Department employees whom he believes to be Communists.
²1962
ⁿMarine Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn Jr. becomes the first American to go into orbit around the Earth when he circles it three times and safely lands in the Atlantic.
■0221
²1878
ⁿThe first telephone directory, containing the names of 50 subscribers, is issued by the New Haven Connecticut Telephone Company.
²1885
ⁿThe Washington Monument is dedicated to the nation's capital, over 37 years after construction began.
²1925
ⁿThe first issue of The New Yorker is published.
²1965
ⁿMalcolm X, the black Muslim leader, is murdered during a speech in New York City.
²1975
ⁿJohn Ehrlichman and H.R. Halderman, former White House aids, are sentenced to 30 month terms for their activities in the Watergate cover-up.
■0222
²1631
ⁿMassachusetts Bay colonists celebrate the first Thanksgiving.
²1732
√Birthday of George Washington, "The Father of Our Country" and the first President of the United States.
²1819
ⁿThe United States acquires Florida from Spain by signing the Florida Purchase Treaty.
²1892
√Birthday of Edna St. Vincent Millay, American poet.
²1944
ⁿAllied forces complete the takeover of the Marshall Islands when the Marines take Parry Island.
■0223
²1847
ⁿGeneral Zachary Taylor and his troops defeat Mexico's General Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista, Mexico in the Mexican War.
²1870
ⁿMississippi is readmitted into the Union.
²1927
ⁿThe Federal Radio Commission (which later became the Federal Communications Commission) is created when the Dill-White Radio Act is signed into law.
²1945
ⁿSix members of the Fifth Division of the U.S. Marines plant the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, a feat recorded for posterity by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal.
²1954
ⁿThe first mass inoculations using the polio vaccine on school children begin in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
²1962
ⁿAstronaut John Glenn Jr. is awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by President John F. Kennedy.
■0224
²1868
ⁿThe House of Representatives votes to impeach President Andrew Johnson.
²1942
ⁿThe U.S. government-operated worldwide radio network, The Voice of America, goes on the air for the first time.
²1945
ⁿAmerican forces liberate Manila from the Japanese. (WW 2)
■0225
²1836
ⁿA patent for the "six-shooter" revolver is awarded to Samuel Colt.
²1901
ⁿThe United States Steel Corporation is incorporated by J.P. Morgan in New Jersey.
²1919
ⁿOregon becomes the first state to tax gasoline.
²1964
ⁿCassius Marcellus Clay (Mohammed Ali) wins the world's heavyweight boxing championship when Charles (Sonny) Liston fails to come out of his corner for the seventh round.
■0226
²1846
√Birthday of William Frederick ("Buffalo Bill") Cody, American frontiersman.
²1870
ⁿNew York City's first subway line is opened to the public, with a fare of 25 cents per passenger.
²1919
ⁿGrand Canyon National Park in Arizona is established by Congress.
²1951
ⁿThe 22nd Amendment, which limits to two the number of terms that one may serve as President, is approved,.
²1986
ⁿRobert Penn Warren is named the first Poet Laureate of the United States.
■0227
²1902
√Birthday of John Steinbeck, American novelist, who wrote "Of Mice and Men" and "Grapes of Wrath" among other works.
²1939
ⁿThe U.S. Supreme Court outlaws "sit-down strikes."
■0228
²1849
ⁿThe first wave of prospectors arrives in California for the Gold Rush of '49.
²1861
ⁿCongress establishes the Territory of Colorado.
²1973
ⁿTo call attention to their cause, American Indian Movement members occupy Wounded Knee, South Dakota.
■0229
²1940
ⁿHattie McDaniel wins an Academy Award for her supporting role in "Gone With the Wind," becoming the first black actress to win an Oscar.
²1956
ⁿPresident Dwight Eisenhower, announcing that he will run for a second term, is nominated at the Republican National Convention.
²1964
ⁿPresident Lyndon B. Johnson announces that the U.S. has secretly developed a jet, the A-11, that can fly at more than 2,000 MPH.
■0301
²1790
ⁿCongress passes the Census Act, calling for a population count every ten years.
²1867
ⁿNebraska is admitted to the Union as the 37th state.
²1872
ⁿYellowstone National Park is created, thereby establishing the National Park system.
²1932
ⁿThe infant son of Charles Lindbergh is kidnapped from his home in Hopewell, New Jersey.
²1942
ⁿAmerican forces are beaten by Japanese forces in the Battle of Java Sea. (WW2)
²1961
ⁿThe Peace Corps is created by John F. Kennedy, who calls for young Americans to sacrifice time and energy to bring a better life to people everywhere.
²1972
ⁿA bomb is detonated in the U.S. Capital building. A terrorist group known as the Weather Underground claims responsibility. No one is injured, but damage is extensive.
■0302
²1807
ⁿCongress reacts to growing public resistance to slavery and outlaws the importation of new slaves.
²1824
ⁿEncouraged by U.S. support and promises of assistance, Texas declares itself to be an independent country and prepares for war with Mexico.
²1867
ⁿCongress passes the first Reconstruction Act. This act was essentially an act of retribution by the North over the defeated South.
²1877
ⁿThe election of 1876 ended in a dispute over the electoral votes of Louisiana, South Carolina and Florida. On this day the special Congressional Committee charged with resolving the dispute handed the election to Hayes.
²1901
ⁿPuerto Rico becomes a "Protectorate" of the United States.
²1917
ⁿPuerto Rico becomes a Territory of the United States.
²1949
ⁿThe first nonstop flight around the world (with in-flight refueling) is performed by James Gallagher, of the U.S. Air Force.
²1962
ⁿWilt Chamberlain scores 100 points (still the NBA record) against the New York Knickerbockers.
■0303
²1815
ⁿThe U.S. Congress declares war against Algeria.
²1820
ⁿThe Missouri Compromise becomes law. This legislation allowed Missouri to be admitted to the Union as a "slave state" as long as Maine was admitted as a "free state." This retained the balance of power in the Senate and averted war.
²1837
ⁿThe Supreme Court creates two new seats, changing from a seven-member institution to a nine-member one.
²1845
ⁿFlorida is admitted to the Union as the 27th state.
²1863
ⁿCongress approves the first conscription (draft) act during the Civil War.
²1871
ⁿCongress nullifies all existing Indian treaties and declares all Indians to be "national wards."
²1931
ⁿThe "Star Spangled Banner" becomes the U.S. national anthem.
■0304
²1681
ⁿWilliam Penn is granted the privilege of establishing a colony in the "New World."
²1789
ⁿThe first session of the U.S. Congress convenes.
²1791
ⁿVermont is admitted as the 14th state, the first state to actually "join" the United States, as the previous 13 created the country.
²1861
ⁿPresident Lincoln is inaugurated as President. The newly formed Confederate States of America adopt an official flag.
²1933
ⁿPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt appoints the first woman to a Cabinet post when he chooses Frances Perkins to be Secretary of Labor.
²1964
ⁿJimmy Hoffa, President of the Teamsters Union, is sentenced to eight years in prison for obstruction of justice.
■0305
²1770
ⁿBritish troops open fire on a mob of angry colonists in Massachusetts. The death of five colonists (including Crispus Attuck, a black man) becomes known as the "Boston Massacre" and is used to rally colonists to revolt against Britain.
²1979
ⁿVoyager I reaches its closest approach to Jupiter, sending back images which captivate scientists and citizens alike.
■0306
²1836
ⁿDavy Crockett and Jim Bowie are killed as Mexican General Santa Anna storms the Alamo, a fortified mission building in what is now San Antonio.
²1857
ⁿThe Dred Scot case is decided by the Supreme Court. The court rules that a slave cannot escape to a free state, then sue for freedom from his old master.
²1902
ⁿThe Census Bureau is established.
²1944
ⁿThe largest bombing raid in history takes place as American B-17 "Flying Fortresses" drop over a million and a half pounds of TNT on Berlin. (WW 2)
■0307
²1876
ⁿThe telephone is patented by Alexander Graham Bell.
²1945
ⁿAmerican forces cross the Rhine River, tightening the noose on Hitler's Nazi regime. (WW 2)
■0308
²1948
ⁿThe Supreme Court rules that public schools cannot teach religious beliefs.
²1965
ⁿAmerican troops land in Danang, Vietnam, the first regular combat troops sent to Vietnam.
■0309
²1864
ⁿUlysses S. Grant is named Commander in Chief of Union forces during the Civil War. Against heavy criticism, President Lincoln states "I like this man, he will fight."
²1916
ⁿ"Pancho" Villa raids into New Mexico, killing several Americans. U.S. Army troops are commanded to locate and capture him.
■0310
²1785
ⁿThomas Jefferson is appointed Minister to France (a position we would call "Ambassador" today). As a result of this appointment, Jefferson is not present for the drafting of the new Constitution.
²1876
ⁿAlexander Graham Bell successfully transmits his voice over a telephone for the first time.
²1982
ⁿCongress approves President Ronald Reagan's request to impose economic sanctions against Libya after Libyan involvement in international terrorism is exposed.
■0311
²1861
ⁿThe Confederate Congress passes the Confederate Constitution.
²1941
ⁿThe Lend-Lease Act becomes law, allowing the U.S. to aid "Democratic countries" during World War II. The wording of this bill is carefully crafted to allow the U.S. to remain technically neutral, yet still aid England.
²1942
ⁿGeneral Douglas MacArthur is forced from the Philippines by advancing Japanese forces. He utters the famous words "I shall return."
■0312
²1864
ⁿUnion forces begin the "Red River Campaign" and Union gunboats are soon steaming up the Red River towards Shreveport, Louisiana.
²1888
ⁿA massive blizzard, known now as the "Blizzard of '88" hits the New England states and brings business to a standstill throughout New York.
²1933
ⁿPresident Franklin Roosevelt holds the first "Fireside Chat" radio broadcast to the nation.
■0313
²1865
ⁿThe Confederate Government enacts a law making slaves subject to draft into military service during the Civil War.
²1928
ⁿA dam outside of Los Angeles, California, collapses, killing almost 500 people.
²1930
ⁿThe planet Pluto is identified by photographic evidence. The planet's position had been theorized based on fluctuations in the orbit of the planet Neptune.
■0314
²1794
ⁿThe cotton gin is patented by Eli Whitney.
²1812
ⁿWar Bonds are introduced as a way of funding the War of 1812
²1900
ⁿThe Currency Act establishes a gold standard for U.S. currency.
²1951
ⁿU.S. forces in Korea recapture Seoul.
■0315
²1767
√Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the U.S., is born.
²1820
ⁿMaine is admitted to the union as the 23rd state.
²1869
ⁿThe Cincinnati Reds (Red Stockings) become the first professional baseball team.
²1916
ⁿGeneral John J. Pershing pursues "Pancho" Villa into Mexico.
²1919
ⁿThe American Legion is established.
²1964
ⁿRichard Burton marries Elizabeth Taylor in Montreal, Canada.
■0316
²1751
√James Madison, the fourth President and acknowledged "Father of the Constitution," is born.
²1802
ⁿCongress establishes the Military Academy at West Point, New York.
²1910
ⁿA new land speed record of 133 mph is set by Barney Oldfield in Daytona, Florida.
²1926
ⁿRobert Goddard launches his first liquid fuel rocket.
²1955
ⁿPresident Eisenhower makes a public statement of U.S. intent to use nuclear weapons in the event of a war.
²1966
ⁿA major space milestone, Gemini 8 makes the first successful docking.
²1968
ⁿThe worst episode of American violence against Vietnamese civilians takes place at My Lai, where 300 men, women and children are killed by American troops. (Vietnam War)
■0317
²1775
ⁿThe Treaty of Sycamore Shoals signs Cherokee homeland in Kentucky to the Transylvania Company.
²1776
ⁿBritish forces are forced from Boston by Revolutionary forces.
²1906
ⁿThe term "muckraker" enters the English language after President Theodore Roosevelt uses it to describe early investigative journalists.
²1941
ⁿThe National Gallery of Art is opened.
■0318
²1766
ⁿThe Stamp Act is repealed by British Parliament after Colonists register extreme dissatisfaction.
²1837
√Grover Cleveland, the 22nd U.S. President, is born in Caldwell, New Jersey.
²1837
ⁿThe University of Michigan is established in Ann Arbor.
²1937
ⁿThe worst school disaster in American history occurs in New London, Texas, as a school fire kills 294 students.
■0319
²1831
ⁿA quarter of a million dollars is stolen in the first bank robbery in the United States, from New York's City Bank.
²1865
ⁿGeneral Sherman's Union forces win the Battle of Bentonville in North Carolina. (Civil War)
²1987
ⁿJim Bakker resigns as head of the PTL (Praise The Lord) club amid accusations of marital infidelity (with church secretary Jessica Hahn), fraud and tax evasion.
■0320
²1832
ⁿThe United States and Siam sign a treaty to trade goods.
²1976
ⁿPatricia Hearst is convicted of bank robbery. The heist was executed by the Symbionese Liberation Army, who had kidnapped Ms. Hearst earlier.
■0321
²1945
ⁿThe most destructive "kamikaze" attack of World War II on an American ship is inflicted on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin killing over 800 sailors.
²1965
ⁿMartin Luther King, Jr. and his supporters march from Selma, Alabama, to the State Capital of Montgomery.
■0322
²1765
ⁿThe Stamp Act goes into effect in the American Colonies, angering the Colonists and sparking rebellious acts.
²1794
ⁿCongress bans U.S. trade in slaves with other countries.
²1960
ⁿThe laser is patented by Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow.
²1968
ⁿGeneral William Westmoreland takes command of American forces in Vietnam.
²1972
ⁿThe 27th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bans sexual discrimination.
■0323
²1775
ⁿPatrick Henry gives a speech in which he declares "as for me, give me liberty or give me death."
²1867
ⁿCongress passes the second Reconstruction Act. This act, vetoed by President Andrew Johnson, but overridden in Congress, provided for the registration of southern voters.
²1965
ⁿGemini 3 becomes the first U.S. space flight with more than one man on board. There were two, Gus Grissom and John Young.
■0324
²1900
ⁿThe first American steel company is formed by industrialist Andrew Carnegie.
■0325
²1865
ⁿThe Army of Northern Virginia (commanded by General Robert E. Lee) is unable to break Union lines and free Petersburg, Virginia from a siege during the Civil War.
²1934
ⁿThe first "Masters" golf tournament is held in Augusta, Georgia. The winner is Horton Smith.
²1960
ⁿA U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules that "Lady Chatterley's Lover," written by D.H. Lawrence, is not obscene. The Supreme Court refuses to hear the case, letting the lower court ruling stand.
■0326
²1862
ⁿConfederate forces defeat Union forces at Apache Canyon during the Civil War.
■0327
²1964
ⁿA devastating earthquake strikes Anchorage, Alaska, killing over a hundred people and causing major damage.
■0328
²1862
ⁿConfederate forces are defeated and routed at the Battle of Glorieta Pass in the New Mexico Territory during the Civil War.
²1881
ⁿThe Barnum and Bailey Circus is created.
²1979
ⁿThe nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island malfunctions in Pennsylvania. Backup and safety systems manage to avert a catastrophe, but the experience severely tarnished the image of nuclear power.
■0329
²1790
√John Tyler, the tenth President of the U.S., is born.
²1814
ⁿGeneral Andrew Jackson defeats a Creek Indian force at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend ending the "Creek War."
²1847
ⁿGeneral Winfield Scott's troops occupy Vera Cruz during the Mexican War.
²1967
ⁿLouisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas are ordered by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to desegregate their schools.
■0330
²1867
ⁿAlaska is purchased from Russia through negotiations by William H. Seward. Ridiculed at the time as "Seward's Folly" this may be the most one-sided real estate deal in the history of the world.
²1870
ⁿFollowing Reconstruction Texas is readmitted to the Union.
²1981
ⁿPresident Ronald Reagan is shot by John W. Hinckley. Tecumsah's Curse is defeated by the the President when Reagan survives the attack.
■0331
²1774
ⁿBritish Parliament, incensed at the dumping of English Tea into Boston Harbor, passes the first "Intolerable Act" to punish the Colonists.
²1861
ⁿConfederate troops from Texas seize a Union military outpost at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Civil War)
²1918
ⁿDaylight Savings Time is established.
²1943
ⁿOklahoma!, by Rodgers and Hammerstein , opens in New York.
²1968
ⁿ"I will not seek, nor will I accept, the nomination of my party for another term as President" - Lyndon Johnson stuns his television audience.
²1980
ⁿPresident Carter signs a deregulation of banking bill that some experts believe led to the massive bank failures of the late 1980s.
■0401
²1775
ⁿDaniel Boone carves the town of Boonesborough out of the Kentucky wilderness.
²1856
ⁿWestern Union is founded by Ezra Cornell.
²1913
ⁿHenry Ford revolutionizes manufacturing by installing his first moving assembly line. His Detroit, Michigan factory is soon turning out automobiles at a rate and cost unmatched by any other car manufacturer.
²1945
ⁿU.S. forces invade Okinawa as the War in the Pacific wears down. (WW 2)
²1954
ⁿThe U.S. Air Force Academy is established in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
²1960
ⁿThe first weather satellite, the "Tiros I" is launched by the U.S.
²1970
ⁿCigarette advertising is banned from television.
²1972
ⁿMajor league baseball players go on strike for the first time in the history of the sport.
■0402
²1865
ⁿGeneral Robert E. Lee, sensing the coming Union Victory, urges Confederate President Jefferson Davis to flee Richmond before being captured by Union forces. President Davis refuses, is captured, tried and hanged for treason.
²1866
ⁿThe Civil War is officially ended as President Andrew Johnson declares that the "State of Insurrection" is ended.
²1917
ⁿThe first woman is elected to the House of Representatives. Jeannette Rankin is elected from Montana.
■0403
²1860
ⁿThe Pony Express begins mail delivery. The first route is between Sacramento, California, and St. Joseph, Missouri.
²1865
ⁿThe battered and tattered Army of Northern Virginia abandons Petersburg, Virginia, to occupation by Union Forces.
²1882
ⁿJesse James is killed.
²1891
ⁿThe Johnson County War, a battle over water rights and grazing land, begins in Northern Wyoming.
²1948
ⁿThe Foreign Assistance Act goes into effect, granting several billion dollars in aid to the battered countries of Europe.
²1975
ⁿSpoiled American chess genius Bobby Fischer refuses to meet Soviet chess champion Anatoly Karpov, thereby losing the title.
■0404
²1818
ⁿThe U.S. flag is officially set to have no more than thirteen stripes. It is decided to add a new star for each state, and to let the thirteen stripes stand for the original thirteen colonies.
²1841
ⁿWilliam Henry Harrison falls victim to Tecumsah's curse, dying in office after contracting pneumonia, the result of refusing to wear a coat while giving his acceptance speech in a chilly January rain.
²1865
ⁿPresident Lincoln enters the occupied city of Richmond, Virginia, to cheers from southerners and northerners alike.
²1887
ⁿThe first woman mayor in the U.S., Susanna Medora, is elected in Argonia, Kansas.
²1917
ⁿThe U.S. Congress finally agrees to declare war on Germany after years of isolationist sentiment kept the U.S. out of the Great War.
²1949
ⁿNATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is born in Washington, D.C.
²1964
ⁿThe Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" becomes the number one record in the U.S., further strengthening the "British Invasion" of popular music.
²1968
ⁿDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee.
■0405
²1614
ⁿPocahontas marries John Rolfe and decides to return to Britain with him.
²1863
ⁿAs Confederate forces fail to achieve any significant objectives, British sentiment for the Confederacy wanes. The British Parliament decides to detain the Confederate ship "Alexandria" instead of returning her.
²1958
ⁿThe Cuban Revolution begins as Fidel Castro proclaims war against the Cuban Government.
■0406
²1814
ⁿNapoleon is defeated and Britain is able to concentrate on the War against the United States.
²1830
ⁿFaced with a flood of American settlers, Mexico forbids further American settlers from entering Texas. This decision is too late and fuels resentment in the territory, leading to war.
²1830
ⁿJoseph Smith founds the Mormon Church (formally known as the "Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints) in New York.
²1909
ⁿRobert Peary's expedition reaches the North Pole, the first successful explorers to do so.
²1965
ⁿThe first commercial communications satellite is launched, proving Arthur C. Clarke's conjecture that such devices are possible.
■0407
²1798
ⁿThe Mississippi Territory is formed from formerly Spanish territory.
²1862
ⁿThe Battle of Shiloh. The largest battle of the Civil War ends as General Ulysses Grant manages to defeat Confederate forces after fierce fighting. This battle brings Grant to the attention of President Lincoln.
²1891
ⁿThe first law passed to limit the work day to eight hours is passed in Nebraska.
²1927
ⁿTelevision is publicly demonstrated for the first time by Bell Telephone Laboratories.
²1980
ⁿDiplomatic relations with Iran are terminated as a result of the hostage crisis.
■0408
²1788
ⁿMaryland ratifies the Constitution, the seventh state to do so.
²1864
ⁿThe Thirteenth Amendment passes the Senate. This Amendment abolishes all forms of slavery.
²1950
ⁿA U.S. warplane is shot down by Soviet forces over Latvia.
²1954
ⁿCanada and the United States develop an early warning RADAR system to detect incoming Soviet missiles.
²1974
ⁿHenry "Hammerin' Hank" Aaron hits his 715th home run, eclipsing the record of 714 set by George Herman "Babe" Ruth half a century earlier.
²1986
ⁿClint Eastwood is elected Mayor of Carmel, California.
■0409
²1865
ⁿGeneral Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, Virginia. (Civil War)
²1942
ⁿAmerican forces leave Bataan as Japanese forces extend their control of the Pacific. (WW 2)
²1963
ⁿSir Winston Churchill, the stalwart British statesman and hero of two World Wars, is granted honorary U.S. citizenship.
■0410
²1790
ⁿThe first American circumnavigation of the globe is completed by Captain Robert Gray in his ship, Columbia.
²1830
ⁿA bold new chapter of American history is inaugurated as the first wagon train leaves St. Louis to travel down the Oregon Trail.
²1865
ⁿGeneral Robert E. Lee gives a farewell speech to his Army of Northern Virginia.
²1866
ⁿThe American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is founded.
²1916
ⁿAmerica welcomes golf as a new professional sport with the first professional tournament on U.S. soil.
²1942
ⁿJapanese forces begin the infamous Bataan "Death March" forcing American captives to march 85 miles in six days. Over 5,000 Americans die on the march. (WW 2)
²1963
ⁿThe Thresher, a newly built nuclear submarine, sinks during a test run, killing all crew members.
■0411
²1861
ⁿFort Sumter is under siege in Charleston Harbor. Union forces, under direct orders from newly elected President Lincoln, refuse to surrender the fort. (Civil War)
²1862
ⁿUnion forces occupy Fort Pulaski, Georgia. Their position now threatens Savannah, Georgia. (Civil War)
²1951
ⁿGeneral Douglas MacArthur is fired by President Harry Truman. The two had a long and bitter dispute over the execution of Korean War policy.
²1968
ⁿThe Civil Rights Act of 1968 becomes law. This law protects minorities from discriminatory housing policies.
■0412
²1776
ⁿThe first colony (North Carolina) officially proposes to declare independence from Great Britain.
²1861
ⁿThe situation at Fort Sumter explodes into violence as the "first shots of the Civil War" are fired from Charleston Harbor at the Fort. This gives President Lincoln the excuse he needs to declare a State of Insurrection.
²1865
ⁿUnion forces continue to press their advantage and overrun Salisbury, North Carolina. (Civil War)
²1945
ⁿPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt dies in office.
²1981
ⁿThe first U.S. space shuttle, Columbia, is successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
²1988
ⁿThe first patent for genetic engineering is awarded to Harvard University.
■0413
²1743
√Thomas Jefferson, the third President and primary author of the Declaration of Independence, is born in Virginia.
²1861
ⁿThe besieged garrison at Fort Sumter surrenders, ending the first engagement of the Civil War.
²1943
ⁿThe Jefferson Memorial is officially dedicated in Washington D.C.
²1945
ⁿAmerican soldiers are horrified by the conditions and atrocities committed by the Nazis as they liberate the concentration camps of Buchenwald and Belsen.
■0414
²1789
ⁿGeorge Washington takes office as the first President of the United States.
²1813
ⁿBritish forces are expunged from Mobile, Alabama as American forces liberate the occupied city in the War of 1812.
²1834
ⁿAndrew Jackson's opponents organize the Whig party.
²1865
ⁿJohn Wilkes Booth fires a fatal shot at President Lincoln at Ford's Theater, then leaps to the stage and escapes immediate capture.
²1918
ⁿThe first American fighter pilot to shoot down five enemy planes, Douglas Campbell, earns the title of "Ace."
²1960
ⁿUnder intense media scrutiny the first successful test firing of a Polaris missile confirms the deadly potential of the American nuclear submarine fleet.
■0415
²1861
ⁿPresident Lincoln declares a state of "Insurrection" and asks for volunteers to put down southern rebellion.
²1912
ⁿThe "unsinkable" Titanic, largest of the luxury ocean steamers, hits an iceberg near Newfoundland and sinks, killing more than 1,500 people.
²1921
ⁿAlbert Einstein gives a speech in which he describes time as a "fourth dimension."
²1952
ⁿThe first "credit card" is issued by the Franklin National Bank of New York.
■0416
²1863
ⁿIn a daring gamble, Union Admiral David Porter takes his fleet of twelve ships past Confederate artillery batteries at Vicksburg, Mississippi. (Civil War)
²1947
ⁿA ship loaded with volatile nitrates suddenly explodes in port setting off a string of explosions from ships and storage containers in the port city of Texas City, Texas. The entire city is destroyed and 500 people are killed.
²1986
ⁿThe first test-tube baby is born to a surrogate mother.
■0417
²1861
ⁿVirginia becomes the first state to secede from the Union.
²1894
ⁿThe first observatory in the United States, Lowell Observatory in Arizona, becomes operational.
²1961
ⁿA U.S. supported invasion of Cuba is badly bungled at the Bay of Pigs. President Kennedy suffers a serious embarrasment to his foreign policy.
■0418
²1842
ⁿRhode Island voters rebel against property-owning voter registration requirements and elect Thomas W. Dorr as Governor in what has come to be called Dorr's rebellion.
²1847
ⁿU.S. forces continue their successful advance into Mexican territory by winning the Battle of Cerro Gordo during the Mexican War.
²1906
ⁿThe first "big one" hits San Francisco. Virtually the entire city is destroyed when a major earthquake, estimated to be near 9.0 on the Richter scale, hits San Francisco.
²1923
ⁿThe first game is played in the new Yankee stadium. The crowd gets what it wants when Babe Ruth hits a home run in the first game.
²1942
ⁿAfter a courageous and dangerous launching from an aircraft carrier, Major General Jimmy Doolittle leads the first bombing raid against Tokyo in World War II. The successful raid is a major morale boost to the American public.
²1983
ⁿA massive car bomb explodes outside the American embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 17 Americans.
■0419
²1775
ⁿThe first battle of the Revolutionary War occurs outside of Lexington, Massachusetts, when Colonial "Minute Men" attack British troops.
²1861
ⁿIn the first major Union military action, President Lincoln announces a blockade of all Confederate ports, to last for the entire war. (Civil War)
²1865
ⁿFuneral services for President Lincoln are performed in the White House.
²1956
ⁿAmerican actress Grace Kelly marries Prince Ranier of Monaco.
■0420
²1861
ⁿVirginia Confederate forces destroy the Norfolk Navy Yard. Union forces evacuate to the north. (Civil War)
²1971
ⁿThe Supreme Court upholds busing as a means to enforce desegregation in pubic schools.
²1983
ⁿThe Social Security System, under attack for losing money, is revamped according to a plan approved by President Ronald Reagan.
■0421
²1828
ⁿThe first edition of the "American Dictionary of the English Language" is published by Noah Webster.
²1836
ⁿGeneral Sam Houston defeats Mexican forces at the Battle of San Jacinto, Texas.
²1856
ⁿThe first railroad bridge over the Mississippi is opened.
²1956
ⁿElvis Presley reaches the number one spot with "Heartbreak Hotel."
■0422
²1864
ⁿThe phrase "In God We Trust" begins to appear on United States Currency.
²1889
ⁿThe Oklahoma Territory is made available to U.S. citizens for settlement.
²1898
ⁿThe United States officially takes control of the Panama Canal property.
²1970
ⁿThe Environmental Movement organizes the first "Earth Day," a day set aside to appreciate nature.
²1976
ⁿBarbara Walters becomes the first female anchorperson on a network news program.
■0423
²1791
√James Buchanan, the 15th President of the U.S., is born.
²1968
ⁿA student organized "sit-in" begins, eventually closing Columbia University for a short time.
²1969
ⁿSirhan Sirhan is sentenced for his conviction in the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. His penalty is death.
²1985
ⁿAmerica is stunned and disheartened to discover that Coca-Cola is changing its century old formula. Public resistance is fast and furious.
■0424
²1800
ⁿThe Library of Congress is founded.
²1846
ⁿHostilities break out when Mexican forces engage American troops to begin the Mexican-American War.
²1877
ⁿThe last Union forces are removed from the South when Louisiana is allowed to resume local government after the Civil War.
²1898
ⁿSpain declares war on the United States.
²1969
ⁿOver 3000 tons (3 kilotons) of bombs are dropped on Vietnam near Saigon by the U.S. Air Force. (Vietnam War)
²1980
ⁿDesperate to end the Iranian hostage crisis, President Carter authorizes an ill-fated rescue attempt which is aborted in disgrace when three helicopters fail to get off the ground.
■0425
²1507
ⁿThe name "America" first appears in a book to describe the new world.
²1861
ⁿDismayed by unexpectedly fierce Confederate resolve, the U.S. Army moves forces into Washington D.C. to protect the capital.
²1945
ⁿAfter years of fighting the Nazi scourge, American and Soviet forces meet at the Elbe River in Germany. (WW 2)
²1959
ⁿWork is completed on the St. Lawrence seaway, giving free access to the Atlantic ocean from the Great Lakes.
■0426
²1805
ⁿLewis and Clark reach the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers.
²1865
ⁿJohn Wilkes Booth is killed near Bowling Green, Virginia, after several days of eluding capture.
²1865
ⁿAs the Civil War continues to wind down, Confederate General Joseph Johnston surrenders the Army of Tennessee to Union General William Sherman.
■0427
²1773
ⁿThe Tea Act is passed in Britain. This punishing law angers Colonists, many of whom are eager to rebel against what they see as Britain's tyranny anyway.
²1805
ⁿU.S. Marines capture Derna, Tripoli, in the area that is now called Libya.
²1813
ⁿAmerican forces capture the town of York, Canada, in the War of 1812. General Zebulon Pike, for whom Pike's Peak is named, is killed in the battle.
²1822
√Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. President, is born at Point Pleasant, Ohio.
²1865
ⁿThe paddle wheel steamer Sultana explodes on the Mississippi, killing 1700 people.
■0428
²1758
√James Monroe, fifth President of the U.S., is born.
²1862
ⁿUnion forces capture the mouth of the Mississippi River and have clear sailing to the port city of New Orleans.
■0429
²1861
ⁿAlthough popular opinion in the state sides with southerners, the State Legislature of Maryland, aware of the presence of thousands of Union troops, votes to remain in the Union.
²1913
ⁿThe zipper is patented by Gideon Sundback.
²1945
ⁿAmerican troops are again shocked by Nazi atrocities when they liberate the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau. (WW 2)
²1986
ⁿThe major league baseball strikeout record for a single game is set by Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens with twenty strikeouts.
■0430
ⁿGeorge Washington is inaugurated as the first President in New York City.
²1803
ⁿPresident Jefferson doubles the size of the U. S. with the Louisiana Purchase. He originally intended only to buy the land around New Orleans, but Napolean needed to finance his war against England.
²1812
ⁿLouisiana is admitted to the Union as the 18th state.
²1900
ⁿThe Territory of Hawaii is established.
²1939
ⁿ"Iron man" Lou Gehrig, suffering from an incurable disease now known as "Lou Gehrig's disease" is unable to play baseball for the first time in 2,130 games, thus ending his major league consecutive game playing streak.
²1945
ⁿAdolph Hitler commits suicide after a hasty marraige to his mistress Eva Braun.
²1961
ⁿNew York Giant's Hall of Famer Willie Mays hits four home runs in one game.
■0501
²1847
ⁿIn Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution officially opens.
²1873
ⁿPenny postcards are placed on sale for the first time by the United States Postal Service.
²1916
ⁿThe word "jazz" is used by the "Chicago Herald," for the first time describing that type of music.
²1931
ⁿIn New York, the Empire State Building opens, becoming the world's largest building at 1,250 feet.
■0502
²1865
ⁿIn New York, the first professional fire department in the United States is created.
²1932
ⁿGeorge and Ira Gershwin's "Of Thee I Sing" becomes the first musical awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
²1945
ⁿDuring World War II, Berlin, Germany, is captured by Soviet troops.
²1954
ⁿOutfielder Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a record five home runs in a doubleheader against the New York Giants.
■0503
²1845
ⁿMassachusetts native Macon B. Allen is admitted to the bar, becoming the first black lawyer to do so.
²1934
ⁿThe first comic book is published in the United States under the name "Famous Funnies."
²1937
ⁿThe Pulitzer Prize for Fiction is awarded for "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell.
²1973
ⁿChicago's Sears Tower becomes the tallest building in the world.
■0504
²1846
ⁿThe Michigan Legislature bans capital punishment, becoming the first in the United States to do so.
²1923
ⁿThe beginning of the end of prohibition in the United States is marked by the repealling of the New York State Prohibition Enforcement Act by the New York Legislature.
²1932
ⁿPublic Enemy Number One, Al Capone, is jailed at the Atlanta Penitentiary on a charge of income-tax evasion.
²1953
ⁿErnest Hemingway wins the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction "The Old Man and the Sea."
²1970
ⁿFour students are shot and killed by National Guard troops during an anti-war demonstration on the Kent State University campus.
■0505
²1847
ⁿIn Philadelphia, the American Medical Association is organized.
²1865
ⁿA gang in North Bend, Ohio, stages the first train robbery when they rob an Ohio & Mississippi railroad train.
²1891
ⁿA performance of Tchaikovsky works marks the opening of Carnegie Hall in New York.
²1904
ⁿThe Philadelphia Americans are retired in order for 9 straight innings by Boston Red Sox pitcher Cy Young as he pitches the first ever perfect game.
²1925
ⁿIn Dayton, Tennesse, John T. Scopes is arrested for teaching evolutionary theory.
²1961
ⁿAfter being rocketed 115 miles into space, Commander Alan B. Shepard, Jr. becomes America's first space explorer. In his words : "Boy, what a ride!"
²1963
ⁿThe first successful liver transplant is performed by doctors in Denver, Colorado.
■0506
²1851
ⁿA patent is awarded for the first drum and pin lock to Linus Yale of New York.
²1937
ⁿFire destroys the German dirigible, "Hindenburg," as it approaches its mast in Lakehurst, New Jersey. Thirty-six passengers perished in the disaster.
²1940
ⁿThe Pulitzer Prize in Fiction goes to John Steinbeck for "The Grapes of Wrath."
■0507
²1789
ⁿIn New York, the first inaugural ball is held in honor of President Washington.
²1914
ⁿMother's Day is established as the second Sunday in May by Congressional resolution.
²1915
ⁿ114 Americans among 1198 total are killed when a German submarine sinks the British steamship, "Lusitania," off the coast of Ireland.
²1945
ⁿGermany surrenders. (WW 2)
²1956
ⁿFrancis Goodrich and Albert Hackett's work "The Diary of Anne Frank" wins the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
■0508
²1541
ⁿFernando de Soto reaches the Mississippi river.
²1792
ⁿThe Militia Act is passed by Congress, allowing state governments to draft able-bodied men to counter Indian hostilities.
²1878
ⁿA Providence center fielder makes the first unassisted triple play in baseball history in a game against Boston.
²1884
√The 33rd President of the United states, Harry S Truman, is born on a farm near Lamar, Missouri.
²1915
ⁿRegret becomes the first filly to capture the Kentucky Derby crown.
■0509
²1712
ⁿNorth Carolina and South Carolina are created by the separation of the Carolina Territory.
²1754
ⁿBenjamin Franklin's "Join or Die" cartoon is printed in the "Pennsylvania Gazette," becoming the first newspaper cartoon to appear in America.
²1926
ⁿAt 9:02 A.M., the first successful flight over the North Pole is made by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd.
²1936
ⁿLanding in Lakehurst, New Jersey, the first transatlantic flight is completed by the German dirigible, "Hindenburg."
²1941
ⁿThe German's master coding machine, "Enigma," is captured by the Allies, allowing for the interception of secret messages.
■0510
²1775
ⁿFort Ticonderoga in New York is captured by American forces under Colonel Ethan Allen and his "Green Mountain Boys" during the Revolutionary War.
²1869
ⁿGovernor Leland Stanford of California drives a golden spike into the last railway tie at Promontory Point, Utah, thus completing the first transcontinental railroad in America.
²1876
ⁿThe centennial exposition, commemorating the United States' 100th anniversary, opens in Philadelphia.
²1934
ⁿ300 million tons of topsoil are blown away by a severe dust storm, causing the abandonment of hundreds of farms across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado.
■0511
²1768
√John Chapman, better known as "Johnny Appleseed," is born.
²1858
ⁿThe Union welcomes Minnesota as its 32nd state.
²1928
ⁿTelevision service is first inaugurated in the United States by WGY in Schenectady, New York.
■0512
²1922
ⁿA meteor strike near Blackstone, Virginia, creates a 500-square-foot hole.
²1932
ⁿThe body of the baby son of Colonel and Mrs. Charles A. Lindbergh is found in a wooded area five-and-a-half miles from their home in Hopewell, New Jersey.
²1937
ⁿThe first worldwide radio broadcast takes place with the coronation of King George VI of England.
²1987
ⁿIn Baltimore, Maryland, doctors perform the first three-way heart and lung transplant.
■0513
²1607
ⁿJamestown, Virginia, becomes America's first permanent English colony.
²1792
ⁿThomas Jefferson forms the Democratic-Republican Party.
²1865
ⁿUnion troops are attacked by Confederate forces commanded by Colonel Jons S. Ford at the Battle of Palmitto Ranch, Texas, marking the last battle of the Civil War.
²1913
ⁿThe first airmail stamps are issued by the United States Postal Service.
²1958
ⁿStan "the Man" Musial hits his 3,000 career hit.
■0514
²1904
ⁿThe first United States-held Olympics begin in St. Louis, Missouri.
²1908
ⁿOn a flight with Orville Wright in Dayton, Ohio, mechanic Charles Furnas becomes the first passenger on an airplane (I wonder how the food was?).
²1948
ⁿIsrael is recognized as an independent nation for the first time by the United States.
²1973
ⁿThe orbital space station "Skylab" is successfully launched by the United States.
■0515
²1672
ⁿThe first copyright law in the colonies is enacted by the Massachusetts General Court.
²1797
ⁿThe first session of Congress convenes.
²1862
ⁿCongress creates the Department of Agriculture.
²1930
ⁿMiss Ellen Church becomes the first flight attendant.
²1941
ⁿThe first successful helicopter flight in the United States is made by a Sikorsky VS-300.
■0516
²1866
ⁿCongress authorizes the treasury department to manufacture and place into circulation the nation's first five-cent piece, the nickel.
²1928
ⁿThe first Academy Award for Best Picture is awarded to "Wings."
²1960
ⁿThe downing of an American U-2 spy plane over the former Soviet Union prompts Soviet Premier Khrushchev to cancel the Paris summit conference.
■0517
²1792
ⁿThe New York Stock Exchange is formed when 24 New York brokers meet under a buttonwood tree on the present site of 68 Wall Street.
²1875
ⁿThe first Kentucky Derby is run at Churchill Downs and won by Aristedes.
²1877
ⁿThe Holmes Burglar Alarm Company in Boston puts the first telephone switchboard into operation.
■0518
²1652
ⁿRhode Island abolishes slavery, the first colony to do so.
²1910
ⁿHalley's Comet passes over the sun, striking terror in the hearts of thousands in the U.S. who felt the comet's appearance would coincide with the end of the world.
²1953
ⁿJacqueline Cochran, piloting an F-85 Sabrejet, becomes the first woman to break the sound barrier.
²1980
ⁿVolcanic ash is spewed over 120 square miles when Mt. St. Helens in southern Washington erupts.
■0519
²1643
ⁿThe United Colonies of New England is formed as representatives from four New England colonies confederate.
²1928
ⁿCalaveras County, California, hosts the first frog jumping contest. Fifty-one frogs enter the "Frog Jumping Jubilee."
²1960
ⁿBased of charges stemming from the radio payola scandal, disc jockey Alan Freed is arrested.
■0520
²1873
ⁿA patent for riveted-pocket denim pants is awarded to Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss.
²1927
ⁿAt 7:40 A.M., Charles A. Lindbergh climbs into his monoplane "The Spirit of St. Louis" to begin the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
²1932
ⁿAmelia Earhart lands near Londonderry, Ireland, becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean solo. This occurred on the fiftieth anniversary of Lindbergh's solo flight.
²1959
ⁿCitizenship is restored to 4,978 Japanese-Americans who renounced their citizenship during World War II.
■0521
²1819
ⁿThe first bicycle ever to be propelled on the streets of New York City is seen by city residents.
²1881
ⁿClara Barton founds the American branch of the International Red Cross.
²1975
ⁿAt the Shakespeare Festival's Newman Theater, "A Chorus Line," by James Kirkwood and Marvin Hamlisch, opens.
■0522
²1807
ⁿFormer Vice President Aaron Burr goes on trial for treason.
²1865
ⁿA. Bordunix, a Confederate soldier, becomes the last man killed in action during the Civil War.
²1947
ⁿThe first U.S. ballistic missile, the Corporal, is successfully launched by the United States at the White Sands Proving Grounds in New Mexico.
²1972
ⁿMeeting with Brezhnev, President Nixon becomes the first American president to visit Moscow.
■0523
²1788
ⁿSouth Carolina is admitted to the Union as the eighth state.
²1814
ⁿDuring the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson becomes the Major General of the United States Army.
²1876
ⁿThe first no-hitter in the National League is pitched by Joe Borden of Boston.
²1934
ⁿIn Plain Dealing, Louisiana, outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are gunned down by Texas Rangers led by Frank Hamer.
²1962
ⁿThe first successful human limb reimplantation is performed by doctors at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
■0524
²1844
ⁿThe first telegraph message is sent by Samuel Finley Breese Morse from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, Maryland.
²1883
ⁿThe John A. Roebling-designed Brooklyn Bridge opens with a ceremony attended by Presidents Chester A. Arthur and Grover Cleveland.
²1935
ⁿMajor league baseball's first night game sees the Cincinatti Reds defeat the Philadelphia Phillies.
²1962
ⁿAboard the Mercury capsule "Aurora 7," astronaut Scott M. Carpenter becomes the second American in orbit.
■0525
²1787
ⁿThe Constitutional Convention convenes in Philedelphia, Pennsylvania.
²1928
ⁿAs a passenger, Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
²1935
ⁿAt a track meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens sets a record by setting six records in one day.
²1935
ⁿBoston Brave Babe Ruth swats the last home run of his career in a game at Forbes Field, Pittsburg, against the Pittsburg Pirates.
²1961
ⁿPresident Kennedy commits the United States to a manned landing on the moon before the decade's end in a speech before congress.
²1968
ⁿThe Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, opens.
■0526
²1868
ⁿFailing by one vote to convict, the impeachment trial of President Johnson ends.
²1868
√Personality of stage, screen and radio, Al Jolson, is born.
²1928
ⁿThe first cross-country foot race is won by Andrew Payne. He reached New York after running for 573 hours.
²1959
ⁿAlthough losing in the 13th inning, Pittsburg Pirates pitcher Harvey Haddix pitched a record 12 perfect innings.
²1977
ⁿAfter climbing the World Trade Center in New York, daredevil George Willig is fined $1.10.
■0527
²1818
√Amelia Bloomer is born. Amelia was a noted American feminist for which bloomers were named (they were the form of woman's dress she recommended).
²1873
ⁿThe first Preakness Stakes are held in Pemlico, Maryland, and won by Survivor.
²1937
ⁿThe Golden Gate Bridge opens in San Francisco, California, marked by a one week celebration.
■0528
²1908
ⁿThe first child labor law in the United States is passed by the District of Columbia.
²1959
ⁿTwo monkeys named Able and Baker are launched into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by the United States Army. Both survived the 300-mile journey.
²1980
ⁿThe United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, sees its first female graduates.
■0529
²1848
ⁿThe Union welcomes Wisconson, its 30th state.
²1917
√35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, is born in Brookline, Massachusetts.
■0530
²1793
ⁿThe "Pennsylvania Evening Post" becomes the first daily newspaper in the United States.
²1868
ⁿThe United States celebrates Decoration Day, better known today as Memorial Day, for the first time.
²1911
ⁿThe first Indianapolis 500 is won by Ray Harroun.
²1922
ⁿIn Washington D.C., the Lincoln Memorial is dedicated.
■0531
²1647
ⁿA constitution calling for the separation of church and state is drafted by the Rhode Island General Assembly.
²1790
ⁿThe first United States copyright act is signed by President Washington.
²1819
√American poet and author Walt Whitman is born.
²1884
ⁿA patent for a process of manufacturing corn flakes is applied for by Dr. John H. Kellog of Battle Creek, Michigan.
²1955
ⁿRacial segregation in public schools is banned in the United States by the Supreme Court.
■0601
²1792
ⁿKentucky is admitted to the Union as the fifteenth state, and the first state west of the Appalachian mountains.
²1796
ⁿTennessee is admitted to the Union as the sixteenth state.
²1813
ⁿIn yet another famous military saying from the War of 1812, Captain James Lawrence of the Chesapeake utters his famous last words: "Don't give up the ship."
²1862
ⁿGeneral Robert E. Lee is appointed military commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. Many military historians consider Lee and his army to be the most effective military fighting force in military history.
²1909
ⁿThe National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is founded.
²1967
ⁿSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is released. Many music experts consider this to be the best Rock and Roll album ever produced.
■0602
²1862
ⁿDuring the Civil War Congress outlaws slavery in all U.S. territories.
²1865
ⁿThe Confederate port of Galveston, Texas, falls to Union Naval forces.
²1924
ⁿThe Snyder Act gives citizenship to all Indians born inside the United States.
²1966
ⁿNASA succeeds in placing a probe on the moon. Surveyor I makes a "soft" landing by using rockets to slow its fall.
■0603
²1864
ⁿThe Civil War's Battle of Cold Harbor. Union forces lose over 7000 men as General George Meade sends waves of soldiers against withering Confederate fire in futile attempts to break their lines.
²1948
ⁿThe Palomar Observatory begins operation with its 200 inch reflective telescope, the largest and most powerful telescope in the world.
■0604
²1896
ⁿThe first Ford automobile is completed.
²1917
ⁿThe Pulitzer Prizes are awarded for the first time.
²1919
ⁿCongress accepts the Nineteenth Amendment, which will give Women the right to vote. Now the states must vote on it.
²1940
ⁿIn what may be the most devastating defeat in their combined histories, English and French forces scramble madly to evacuate Dunkirk and escape the oncoming German Blitzkrieg. Tons of ammo, vehicles and supplies are left behind. (WW 2)
■0605
²1851
ⁿUncle Tom's Cabin appears in print for the first time. This attack on slavery was used as a rallying cry for abolitionists for years before the Civil War.
²1947
ⁿIn an attempt to revitalize European economies devastated by the war Secretary of State George Marshall proposes massive loans and foreign aid be made available to European governments. This becomes known as the "Marshall Plan."
²1967
ⁿThe Six-Day War begins. This war between Israel and its Arab neighbors is seen as threatening to vital American interests.
■0606
²1798
ⁿDebtor prisons are outlawed in the United States.
²1865
ⁿMissouri is readmitted to the Union.
²1942
ⁿThe World War II Battle of Midway. This was the turning point in the Pacific War. After destroying most of America's fleet at Pearl Harbor, Japan had a huge advantage, until Midway, where Japan lost four aircraft carriers and several other ships.
²1944
ⁿD-Day. The Normandy Invasion. A massive fleet of 4000 ships and over four million men are thrown against heavily defended German positions on the French beach of Normandy. The assault succeeds when allied forces gain mastery of the air.
²1968
ⁿRobert F. Kennedy is shot and killed after winning the California Primary.
■0607
²1712
ⁿThe Pennsylvania Colony bans slavery.
²1769
ⁿDaniel Boone travels through the Cumberland Gap and sees Kentucky for the first time.
²1864
ⁿAbraham Lincoln is nominated for his second term.
■0608
²1778
ⁿAaron Burr is appointed head of the newly created Secret Service.
²1845
ⁿAndrew Jackson dies in Tennessee.
²1861
ⁿTennessee secedes from the Union.
²1967
ⁿDuring the Six-day War Israeli torpedo boats attack the U.S.S. Liberty by mistake, killing 34 American sailors.
■0609
²1973
ⁿSecretariat wins the Belmont Stakes by 30 lengths, also winning the Triple Crown, having won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness earlier in the year.
■0610
²1859
ⁿThe Comstock Lode is discovered in the Utah Territory. The Comstock becomes famous as the richest mining discovery in the world.
²1898
ⁿU.S. Marines invade Cuba during the Spanish-American War.
²1935
ⁿAlcoholics Anonymous is organized in New York.
■0611
²1776
ⁿThe Declaration of Independence is commissioned by the Continental Congress. Appointed to write the document are John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, among others. Young Thomas Jefferson does most of the writing.
²1895
ⁿThe first patent for a gasoline powered automobile is awarded to Charles E. Duryea.
²1919
ⁿSir Barton wins the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first horse to win racing's "Triple Crown."
²1927
ⁿThe first Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to Charles Lindburgh.
■0612
²1836
ⁿArkansas is admitted to the Union as the 25th state.
²1963
ⁿMedgar Evers, a black civil rights worker, is murdered in Jackson, Mississippi.
■0613
²1966
ⁿThe Supreme Court, in the case of Miranda vs. Arizona, rules that a suspect must be read his rights before police can begin interrogation.
■0614
²1777
ⁿTo avoid a confusing proliferation of flags, Congress settles upon an official American flag.
²1951
ⁿUNIVAC (the Universal Automatic Computer) is put to work on the job of calculating the 1950 census.
■0615
²1775
ⁿGeorge Washington is given command of the Continental Army.
²1904
ⁿThe General Slocum, an excursion ship, burns in the Hudson River, killing over a thousand people.
²1916
ⁿThe Boy Scouts of America is established.
■0616
²1858
ⁿPresident Lincoln, in accepting the Republican nomination for the Senate, says "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
²1976
ⁿThe U.S. ambassador to Lebanon is shot to death by a gunman in Beirut, Lebanon.
■0617
²1775
ⁿAt the Revolutionary War Battle of Bunker Hill (actually fought at Breeds Hill a few miles away) American Colonel Willim Prescott admonishes his men "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!"
²1955
ⁿDisneyland opens for business in Anaheim, California.
■0618
²1812
ⁿThe War of 1812 begins when President Madison declares war on Great Britain.
²1864
ⁿUnion forces accelerate their attack on Petersburg, Virginia. General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia attacks the Union lines, but are unable to break through. (Civil War)
²1979
ⁿThe SALT 2 (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) end with a treaty between the Soviet Union and the United States. This treaty is not ratified by the U.S. Congress, but the agreement is honored by all succeeding U.S. Presidents.
²1983
ⁿSally Ride becomes the first female astronaut to be launched into space when the Space Shuttle Challenger takes off.
■0619
²1846
ⁿThe first baseball game is officially recorded in Hoboken, New Jersey.
²1862
ⁿSlavery is outlawed in all territories of the United States.
²1910
ⁿThe first observance of Father's Day is held.
²1934
ⁿThe FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is established.
²1953
ⁿThe final chapter of the "atomic spies" saga is written when Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed for passing secrets of the atomic bomb to the Soviet Union.
■0620
²1863
ⁿGeneral Lee takes his Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania in an attempt to gain European support for the Confederacy, and to pull Union troops from their stranglehold on several Virginia cities.
²1863
ⁿWest Virginia is admitted as the 35th state. This is the second time a state is created out of part of another state. Maine had been part of Massachusetts before being admitted as a separate state.
²1967
ⁿMuhammad Ali, the reigning heavyweight boxing champ, is sentenced to five years of prison for draft evasion. The boxer cites religious reasons for his refusal.
■0621
²1788
ⁿNew Hampshire ratifies the Constitution, the ninth state to do so.
²1942
ⁿA Japanese submarine shells targets on the Oregon coastline during World War II. No one is hurt and damage is minimal, but hysteria over a possible Japanese invasion of the West Coast spreads.
²1981
ⁿBaseball is shut down when the longest strike by professional athletes is begun.
■0622
²1864
ⁿFierce fighting around Petersburg, Virginia continues during the Civil War. Confederate forces overrun Union positions south of the city and take almost 2,000 Union soldiers prisoner.
²1868
ⁿArkansas is readmitted to the Union.
²1933
ⁿWith the completion of the Illinois Ship Canal it becomes possible to sail directly to the Gulf of Mexico from the Great Lakes.
²1941
ⁿOperation Barbarossa, the World War II code name for the invasion of Russia by German troops, begins just months after Germany and the Soviet Union sign a non-aggression treaty. Stalin is caught completely off guard.
■0623
²1780
ⁿThe Battle of Springfield is won by American forces in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War.
²1865
ⁿThe last Confederate forces surrender in the Oklahoma Indian Territory, ending hostilities of the Civil War.
²1969
ⁿPresident Nixon appoints Justice Warren Harding to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
■0624
²1948
ⁿThe Selective Service Act becomes law, forcing all men between the ages of 18 and 25 to register for the draft.
²1964
ⁿWarning labels are mandated to be placed on all cigarette packages.
■0625
²1788
ⁿVirginia ratifies the Constitution, the tenth state to do so.
²1862
ⁿEnjoying early success in the Civil War, Confederate troops led by General Robert E. Lee attack Union forces at the Battle of Oak Grove, beginning a deadly week of almost daily battles as Confederate Forces push the Union forces back.
²1876
ⁿThe Battle of Little Big Horn. Sioux and Blackfoot Indians ambush and wipe out the Seventh Cavalry led by General George Armstrong Custer in the largest Indian victory of U.S. troops.
²1950
ⁿWith World War II scarcely over, North Korea invades South Korea starting the Korean War.
²1962
ⁿReading of prayers in public schools is ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
■0626
²1844
ⁿPresident John Tyler is married in a White House ceremony.
²1917
ⁿThe first active duty troops from the United States arrive in Europe to help Allied forces.
²1945
ⁿThe United Nations charter is signed by fifty nations.
■0627
²1844
ⁿAfter the death of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young takes over as leader of the Mormon Church.
²1862
ⁿGeneral Lee presses his advantage as Confederate troops overrun Union positions at the Battle of Gaines' Mill. President Lincoln is frustrated by the inability of his larger and better equipped army to stop General Lee.
²1864
ⁿOverconfident Union forces sustain heavy casualties at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia. (Civil War)
²1893
ⁿThe "Crash of '93" occurs as the New York Stock Market tumbles, dragging the country into years of depression.
²1938
ⁿOlympic National Park is established.
²1950
ⁿActing quickly to aid South Korea, President Truman sends troops into combat to stop invading North Korean forces.
²1957
ⁿHurrican Audrey hits Louisiana and Texas, killing well over 500 people.
■0628
²1778
ⁿThe Battle of Monmouth. General George Washington secures a hard-fought victory over British forces. (Revolutionary War)
²1836
ⁿJames Madison, the fourth President and known as the "author of the Constitution" dies in Montpelier, Virginia.
²1862
ⁿWhile Confederate land forces enjoy unexpected success in the east, Union naval forces led by Admiral David Farragut bypass the defending shore batteries at Vicksburg and prepare to take the city. (Civil War)
²1894
ⁿLabor Day is officially set aside as a national holiday.
²1914
ⁿThe Archduke Ferdinand of Austria is assassinated in Yugoslavia, the spark that will set off World War I.
²1919
ⁿWorld War I is ended by the Treaty of Versailles. U.S. President Wilson warns that the treaty is unfair and will only lead to bitterness and trouble.
²1939
ⁿPan American offers the first regular trans-atlantic flights.
²1976
ⁿPiloting a SR-71 Blackbird spyplane, Captain Eldon Joersz sets a world speed record of 2,193 mph. Some military experts claim the plane to be capable of even higher speeds.
■0629
²1767
ⁿThe Townshend Act is passed by British Parliament. This law is designed to punish American Colonists and to quell their demands for more self-rule.
²1862
ⁿUnion troops continue to retreat from increasingly confident Rebel forces. President Lincoln fumes over General McClellan's lack of initiative and begins looking for a replacement. (Civil War)
²1949
ⁿThe United States pulls its last active duty combat troops from Korea. A contingent of troops is left behind as "observers" to keep watch on the border between North and South Korea.
■0630
²1815
ⁿAfter Marines invade and defeat Barbary pirates, Algeria and the Barbary pirates sign a treaty ensuring safe passage for American ships. This greatly enhances American prestige around the world.
²1862
ⁿHard-pressed Union troops, their backs to the James River, dig into defensive positions after successful Rebel raids are led by General Stonewall Jackson and General Longstreet. (Civil War)
²1864
ⁿThe Yosemite valley is set aside by the Federal Government as a "State Park," the first land so protected.
²1921
ⁿEx-President William H. Taft is appointed as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Taft is the only man to hold what many consider to be the two highest offices in the United States.
²1958
ⁿThe invention of the transistor is announced by Bell laboratories.
²1982
ⁿThe deadline for passing the Equal Rights Amendment. In spite of a major public relations effort and extensive lobbying, the ERA fails to achieve ratification by the required number of states.
■0701
²1862
ⁿConfederate forces are finally defeated by Union forces at the Battle of Malvern Hill, ending the "Seven Days' Campaign." (Civil War)
²1863
ⁿThe Battle of Gettysburg begins in Pennsylvania. This battle is now recognized as the turning point of the Civil War.
²1930
ⁿThe first practical submarine, the Nautilus, enters service in the U.S. Navy.
²1946
ⁿAn atomic bomb test is performed at Bikini atoll, the first of many tests in this area of the Pacific Ocean.
²1950
ⁿThe first U.S. troops land on Korean soil, prepared to defend South Korea from Northern agression. (Korean War)
²1966
ⁿThe Medicare system to provide medical care for the elderly is put into action.
■0702
²1863
ⁿThe second day of the Battle of Gettysburg ends with both sides dug into defensive positions. (Civil War)
²1881
ⁿPresident James A. Garfield is mortally wounded in Washington D.C., yet another victim of Tecumsah's curse.
²1926
ⁿRecognizing the potential for military use of air power, the U.S. Army creates the Army Air Corps.
²1937
ⁿAmelia Earhart disappears over the Pacific ocean during her attempt to become the first woman to cross the Pacific.
²1964
ⁿThe Civil Rights Act of 1964 becomes law. This act provides for equal treatment for all races in housing, education and many other segments of society.
²1976
ⁿNorth Vietnam achieves a complete victory as North and South Vietnam are united into a single country.
■0703
²1775
ⁿGeneral George Washington is given command of American troops at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
²1863
ⁿThe Battle of Gettysburg ends as the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia receives a crushing defeat. This defeat virtually assures that the Confederacy will receive no aid from Europe. (Civil War)
²1890
ⁿIdaho is admitted to the Union as the 43rd state.
²1930
ⁿThe Veterans' Administration is established.
²1988
ⁿA missile is fired from the U.S. Vincennes, a guided missile cruiser, knocking an Iranian airliner out of the sky.
■0704
²1776
ⁿThe Declaration of Independence is officially adopted by the Continental Congress, effectively declaring a state of rebellion against British rule.
²1826
ⁿJohn Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third Presidents, both die within hours of each other. Although bitter enemies in their early careers, these two revolutionaries became fast friends and correspondents in later years.
²1831
ⁿJames Madison, the fifth President, dies.
²1863
ⁿAfter days of fierce fighting the city of Vicksburg falls to Union forces commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant. This, along with Grant's earlier successes, convinces President Lincoln that Grant is his best general.
²1872
√Calvin Coolidge, the 30th U.S. President, is born in Plymouth, Vermont.
²1883
ⁿBuffalo Bill presents his first "Wild West" show in Nebraska.
²1960
ⁿThe fifty-star flag, recognizing the admission of Hawaii, is revealed to the public for the first time.
■0705
²1862
ⁿThe first Black regiment is organized. Called the "First Carolina Regiment" this Union regiment fights with distinction during the Civil War.
²1864
ⁿGeneral Jubal Early takes a Confederate force across the Potomac River into Maryland.
²1943
ⁿThe largest tank battle of World War II takes place at the Battle of Kursk in the Soviet Union. Over 6,000 tanks and 2,000,000 men are involved in the battle.
■0706
²1854
ⁿThe Republican Party is created in Jackson, Michigan.
²1954
ⁿElvis Presley records his first song in the Sun Studios, in Memphis, Tennessee.
■0707
²1865
ⁿFour people are hanged as conspirators in the assassination of President Lincoln.
■0708
²1835
ⁿAs the Liberty Bell is tolled to commemmorate the death of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall, it cracks.
²1863
ⁿThe last Confederate fort along the Mississippi surrenders. Union forces have now achieved the first goal in their plan to defeat the Confederacy, by splitting the Confederacy into two parts. (Civil War)
²1950
ⁿGeneral Douglas MacArthur takes command of all United Nations forces in Korea.
■0709
²1850
ⁿPresident Zachary Taylor dies in office.
²1982
ⁿA Pan American jet crashes in New Orleans killing over a hundred and fifty people.
■0710
²1890
ⁿWyoming is admitted to the Union as the 44th state.
²1940
ⁿThe first blow of the Battle of Britain is delivered as German bombers attack South Wales. For the next 80 days the skies above Britain are dotted with German and British planes locked in mortal combat. (WW 2)
²1943
ⁿGeneral George "Blood'n'Guts" Patton lands his Seventh Army in Sicily. (WW 2)
²1965
ⁿThe "bad boys" of Rock'n'Roll receive their due as the Rolling Stones hit number one with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
²1985
ⁿFinally realizing the enormity of their public relations blunder, the Coca-Cola company re-introduces their original formula as "Classic Coke." A satisfied public sighs in relief.
■0711
²1767
√John Quincy Adams is born in Braintree, Massachusetts.
²1789
ⁿThe Marine Corps is established.
²1804
ⁿIn one of the strangest episodes in American political history, sitting Vice President Aaron Burr challenges Alexander Hamilton to a duel and kills him.
²1864
ⁿConfederate General Jubal Early enters Washington D.C. as his army breaks through defending Union forces. (Civil War)
²1962
ⁿAT&T makes the first satellite transmission, using the recently launched Telstar satellite.
²1979
ⁿSkylab, NASA's orbiting space laboratory, reenters the atmosphere and breaks up when NASA cannot appropriate the funds necessary to boost the station's orbit.
■0712
²1808
ⁿThe first regular newspaper west of the Mississippi, the Missouri Gazette, is published.
²1862
ⁿCongress creates the Medal of Honor to recognize battlefield bravery.
²1864
ⁿPresident Lincoln gets a first-hand view of Civil War hostilities as Confederate troops continue to fight within Washington D.C. itself.
²1909
ⁿThe first step in creating an income tax is overcome as Congress drafts a proposed Sixteenth Amendment which would impose such a tax.
²1963
ⁿRacial unrest reaches a peak in Cambridge, Massachusetts as Martial Law is declared and National Guard troops are dispatched to restore order.
■0713
²1832
ⁿThe source of the Mississippi is "discovered." Actually many geographers now consider the Missouri River to be the natural extension of the Mississippi, and the Mississippi River north of the Missouri to be a tributary.
²1863
ⁿDuring the Civil War, Union troops are called in to quell anti-draft riots in New York City. Over a thousand people are killed.
²1944
ⁿThe first V-1 rocket is launched at London by German forces. (WW 2)
■0714
²1789
ⁿBastille Day. The French Revolution begins as Thomas Jefferson looks on. Jefferson is in France as the U.S. Minister to France. It must feel strange to hear his own words translated into French and used by the rebels.
²1881
ⁿBilly "The Kid" Bonney is killed by Pat Garrett in New Mexico.
²1913
√Gerald R. Ford, the 38th U.S. President, is born in Omaha, Nebraska.
²1972
ⁿThe first woman to head a major political party, Jean Westwood, is named head of the Democratic Party National Committee.
■0715
²1820
ⁿEdwin James becomes the first American explorer to climb Pike's Peak.
²1870
ⁿGeorgia is readmitted to the Union.
■0716
²1769
ⁿThe first permanent settlement on the west coast is founded by Father Junipero Serra near what is now San Diego.
²1941
ⁿ"Yankee Clipper" Joe DiMaggio fails to hit safely in a game, ending his major league record hit streak at 56 games.
²1945
ⁿThe first atomic bomb, a plutonium device, is exploded at Alamagordo, New Mexico. This bomb is identical to the one dropped on Nagasaki.
²1973
ⁿThe existence of tapes of White House conversations is revealed, leading to speculation that the tapes might contain incriminating evidence against President Richard M. Nixon in the Watergate affair.
■0717
²1862
ⁿThe Second Confiscation Act gives all slaves who enter Union lines their freedom.
²1975
ⁿThe Apollo-Soyuz international space docking is successful.
■0718
²1947
ⁿThe Presidential Succession Act goes into effect. This act defines clear succession for the President in the case of the loss of both the President and Vice President, a newly important consideration in the days of city-destroying nuclear weapons.
²1969
ⁿSenator Edward Kennedy loses control of his automobile and falls off of the Chappaquiddick Bridge, killing Mary Jo Kopechne. This event becomes a national scandal, in all probability costing Senator Kennedy any chance of being elected President.
■0719
²1867
ⁿThe Third Reconstruction Act becomes law. States from the Confederacy will not be allowed to rejoin the Union until they ratify the Fifteenth Amendment. The Fifteenth Amendment, of course, outlawed slavery in the U.S.
²1984
ⁿIn a surprise move Walter Mondale nominates Geraldine Ferraro for the Vice Presidency, the first woman to be nominated for that office by any major party.
■0720
²1944
ⁿA group of German officers, convinced that the war effort is futile, attempt to assassinate Adolph Hitler. The plot almost succeeds when Hitler and several aides are injured by a bomb.
²1969
ⁿThe pinnacle of the American space effort and the culmination of John F. Kennedy's dream is achieved when Neil Armstrong steps foot on the moon, saying: "That is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
²1976
ⁿMars receives its first robot visitor when Viking I lands on its cold, dusty surface.
■0721
²1861
ⁿConfederate troops rout ill-prepared and overconfident Union troops at the first Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War.
²1873
ⁿThe James gang, led by Frank and Jesse James, commits the first of many train robberies.
²1921
ⁿA dramatic demonstration of air power is staged to sway reluctant Congressional budget planners when a captured German battleship is sunk by dropping bombs from an airplane.
■0722
²1861
ⁿThe U.S. Congress takes the position that the Civil War is being fought to preserve the Union, not to end slavery. This political statement is meant to reassure states and territories that permit slavery, but did not secede.
²1864
ⁿUnion General William T. Sherman pauses in his march to Atlanta to turn back an attack by Confederate forces commanded by John Hood. (Civil War)
²1934
ⁿJohn Dillinger, the "most dangerous man in America" is shot and killed by FBI agents in Chicago.
■0723
²1885
ⁿUlysses S. Grant, the eighteenth President, dies in New York.
²1967
ⁿThe simmering tensions of the "long, hot summer" explode in Detroit as 43 people are killed in race riots.
²1984
ⁿVanessa Williams resigns her crown as Miss America when explicit nude photos of her, some posing with another woman, are published by Penthouse magazine.
■0724
²1847
ⁿThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, persecuted in every town they have been in, are led on an epic journey to Utah by Brigham Young.
²1866
ⁿTennessee is readmitted to the Union.
■0725
²1868
ⁿThe Wyoming Territory is established.
²1947
ⁿAfter much debate the National Security Act of 1947 gets through Congress. This act reorganizes the American military system and creates the U.S. Air Force.
■0726
²1788
ⁿNew York ratifies the Constitution, the eleventh state to do so.
²1790
ⁿActing on suggestions from Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, A site along the Potomac River is chosen for the new National Capital on land to be donated by Maryland. This is seen as a compromise between North and South.
■0727
²1866
ⁿThe first transatlantic cable is completed between England and the United States.
²1953
ⁿThe Korean War ends with the signing of an armistice by the United States, China, North Korea and South Korea.
²1987
ⁿGreg LeMond wins the Tour de France, the first American to win what is considered to be the world's most prestigious bicycle race.
■0728
²1868
ⁿThe Fourteenth Amendment is passed. This grants citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States.
²1945
ⁿA B-25 bomber crashes into the Empire State Building, killing more than a dozen people.
²1982
ⁿA major victory for gun control is achieved when San Francisco bans the sale and possession of handguns.
■0729
²1778
ⁿFrench promises of aid to the rebellous Colonies are delivered when a fleet of French ships, led by Count d'Estaing, lands in Rhode Island. (Revolutionary War)
²1958
ⁿNASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is created as the U.S. desperately tries to catch up to the Soviet Union's lead in space technology.
■0730
²1864
ⁿConfederate troops secretly dig a tunnel under Union lines and pack it with explosives. When the explosives are set off, the surprised Union troops are routed by waiting Confederate troops in the Battle of the Crater. (Civil War)
²1928
ⁿColor motion pictures are demonstrated for the first time by George Eastman, later of Eastman/Kodak fame.
²1965
ⁿPresident Lyndon Johnson continues to press his "Great Society" theme through Congress as Medicare is signed into law.
■0731
²1790
ⁿThe U.S. Patent Office begins operation.
²1861
ⁿUlysses S. Grant is appointed General of Volunteers, an obscure post for a man with a reputation for hard drinking and dangerous mood swings.
²1975
ⁿJimmy Hoffa, once the powerful President of the Teamsters Union, is last seen in Detroit, Michigan.
²1988
ⁿIn what is seen as the end of an era, Playboy closes its last Playboy Club in Lansing Michigan.
ⁿIn the Centennial Year of the Nation, Colorado is admitted as the 38th state.
²1946
ⁿThe Atomic Energy Commission is founded.
²1966
ⁿCharles Whitman carries a rifle into a University of Texas at Austin tower and begins to methodically shoot passersby. By the time he is killed by police, he has murdered over a dozen people and injured more than 30 others.
■0802
²1776
ⁿThe Decleration of Independence is signed by the Continental Congress. John Hancock signs his name several times normal size "so King Charles can see it without his glasses."
²1876
ⁿWild Bill Hickock, a legendary old west gunslinger, is shot from behind, while playing poker. As he dies his poker hand is revealed, a pair of aces and a pair of eights, now known by poker aficionados as the "dead man's hand."
²1909
ⁿVictor D. Brenner sees his newly designed Lincoln head penny fresh from the mint in Philadelphia. The new design replaces the previous Indian head penny.
²1923
ⁿWarren G. Harding dies in office, another victim of Tecumsah's Curse.
■0803
²1780
ⁿBenedict Arnold, one of the true heroes of the Revolutionary War, is appointed commander of West Point. This is before his decision to side with the British, which branded him as the worst traitor in American History, a somewhat unfair distinction.
²1921
ⁿIn the final chapter of the "Black Sox" affair, all members of the Chicago White Sox convicted of "throwing" the 1919 World Series are banned from baseball for life.
²1981
ⁿPresident Reagan is presented with his first domestic crisis when disgruntled Air Traffic Controllers go on strike, potentially endangering thousands of lives of travelers.
■0804
²1914
ⁿFaced with public sentiment that borders on isolationist, the U.S. states its intention to remain neutral in the European War. (WW 1)
²1916
ⁿThe Virgin Islands are purchased from Denmark for $25,000,000.
²1960
ⁿIn one of a series of dramatic and record breaking flights, Joseph Walker sets a speed record of 2,196 mph in the remarkable X-15 rocket-powered space-plane. This is three times the speed of sound, and is truly "faster than a speeding bullet."
²1977
ⁿThe Department of Energy is created by Congress.
■0805
²1861
ⁿThe first U.S. income tax is levied to help fund the Civil War. This act was challenged on constitutional grounds several times, and Congress decided to create an Amendment to the Constitution the next time it levied an income tax.
²1864
ⁿTaking a desperate gamble Admiral David Farragut orders his ships to enter Mobile bay in the face of deadly mine fields (in those days called "torpedoes"). As his men hesitate the Admiral exclaims "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"
²1940
ⁿIn one of the most successful days for British pilots, 75 German planes are shot down on this day during the Battle of Britain. (WW 2)
²1974
ⁿPresident Nixon is forced to release tapes revealing his activities in obstructing the Watergate investigation. Jubilant Democratic congressman begin calling for Nixon's impeachment, a real possibility, although by no means certain.
■0806
²1890
ⁿThe electric chair is used in Auburn Prison, New York, to execute a condemned killer for the first time.
²1945
ⁿCaptain George Gay looks back in horror at an immense explosion as his B-29 Super Fortress, the Enola Gay, drops a single bomb which destroys Hiroshima, Japan. With that blow the Atomic Age is announced with a vengeance.
²1973
ⁿA Justice Department investigation of Spiro Agnew, then Vice President to Richard Nixon, is revealed, eventually leading to Agnew's resignation.
■0807
²1782
ⁿThe Purple Heart is introduced by General George Washington to honor those wounded in battle.
²1942
ⁿU.S. Marines land on Guadalcanal, the first American amphibious assault of World War II.
²1959
ⁿMany people have an eerie feeling as they view the first photograph of Earth taken from space by the Explorer VI satellite.
²1978
ⁿLove Canal is declared a disaster area after it is discovered that the residential area was built on top of a toxic waste dump.
■0808
²1876
ⁿThomas Edison's patent for the first mimeograph machine adds to his growing pile of invention patents, and to his reputation as the world's premier scientist.
²1945
ⁿIn spite of the failure of the League of Nations, the United States is eager to sign the United Nations charter.
²1966
ⁿA patient is implanted with the first successful heart pump in Houston, Texas.
■0809
²1862
ⁿThe Battle of Cedar Mountain. Confederate General Stonewall Jackson defeats a larger Union army in Virginia during the Civil War.
²1945
ⁿWhen the Japanese Government does not immediately surrender after the bombing of Hiroshima, President Truman orders a second bomb dropped on the port city of Nagasaki. This time Japan surrenders immediately.
²1969
ⁿIn one of the most bizarre murders in the nation's history, actress Sharon Tate is one of five victims murdered by members of a cult led by Charles Manson.
²1974
ⁿAfter months of "stonewalling" Congress and the media, Richard Nixon becomes the only President to resign. Vice President Ford becomes the only President to reach the office without having been elected as President or Vice President.
■0810
²1821
ⁿMissouri is admitted to the Union as the 24th state.
²1874
√Birthday of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President.
²1927
ⁿWork begins on Mount Rushmore.
²1960
ⁿA treaty designating Antarctica as a scientific preserve is signed by several nations, including the United States.
²1977
ⁿThe New York serial killer who has left messages to police under the name "Son of Sam" is arrested. His real name is David Berkowitz.
■0811
²1807
ⁿThe first practical steamboat, the Clermont, designed by Robert Fulton, makes its maiden voyage on the Hudson River.
ⁿOliver Wendell Holmes is appointed to the Supreme Court.
²1965
ⁿThe Watts riots of Los Angeles break out. Before the violence is quelled, 35 people are killed.
²1974
ⁿIn a classic duel which goes down the the last hole, Lee "Super Mex" Trevino beats Jack "Golden Bear" Niklaus by a single stroke to win the PGA Championship, one of the four "major" golf tournaments played each year.
■0812
²1852
ⁿIsaac Singer receives a patent for the sewing machine. According to legend Singer solved the most perplexing problem of this now ubiquitous device in a dream.
²1896
ⁿThe Klondike Gold Rush starts when reports of massive gold deposits spread across the continent.
²1970
ⁿThe U.S. Postal Service is, in effect, thrown on its own resources when the Postal Reorganization Act makes the Post Office independent of the Federal Government.
■0813
²1856
ⁿViolence in the Kansas Territory heats up as State militia members seize the town of Franklin because of its anti-slavery stance.
²1942
ⁿBritish General Montgomery ("Monty" to his troops) takes command of British troops in North Africa. It is General Montgomery who defeats the legendary German General Rommel and his Afrika Corps. (WW 2)
■0814
²1935
ⁿPresident Franklin Roosevelt achieves one of the milestones of his "New Deal" when he signs the Social Security Act.
²1965
ⁿSonny and Cher hit the number one spot with "I Got You, Babe."
■0815
²1805
ⁿLewis and Clark struggle through the mountains of what is now Montana, crossing the Continental Divide on this day.
²1935
ⁿWill Rogers and Wiley Post are killed in a crash of Post's plane off of Point Barrow, Alaska.
²1969
ⁿWoodstock, perhaps THE seminal event of the "Hippie generation" starts in New York.
■0816
²1920
ⁿIn a freak accident, Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman is killed by a pitch thrown by New York Yankee pitcher Carl Mays.
²1936
ⁿThe Berlin Olympic Games end on a sour note for Adolph Hitler as American Jesse Owens, an African-American, emerges as the star of the games, which Hitler had intended to be a showcase for his "Aryan" athletes.
²1977
ⁿElvis Presley, by far the most popular Rock'n'Roll star, dies in his bathroom of a presumed overdose of drugs.
■0817
²1943
ⁿGeneral George Patton's Seventh Army enters Sicily ahead of British troops, causing a rift between the allies. Allied Leaders had planned on allowing the British to "take" the city to boost morale in England, where the war had taken a heavy toll. (WW 2)
²1969
ⁿHurricane Camille slams into the Gulf Coast with winds above 200 mph. Over 300 people are killed and property damage reaches billions of dollars in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
■0818
²1864
ⁿThe Siege of Petersburg, Virginia continues as Union troops cut off railroad access to the city. (Civil War)
²1873
ⁿMount Whitney is climbed by John Lucas, the first person to reach its peak.
²1894
ⁿThe Bureau of Immigration is created by Congress.
■0819
²1929
ⁿThe popular radio show "Amos 'n' Andy" airs its first segment.
²1981
ⁿTwo Libyan jets are shot down by American warplanes after the Libyans fire at the American planes.
■0820
²1833
√Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President, is born in North Bend, Ohio.
²1982
ⁿU.S. Marines land in Beirut, Lebanon to oversee the withdrawal of Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) forces from the city.
■0821
²1858
ⁿSteven Douglas and Abraham Lincoln hold the first of their series of debates. These debates bring national attention on both men.
²1863
ⁿWilliam Quantrill and his Confederate "Redlegs" raid Lawrence, Kansas and massacre 150 civilians. Frank James and Cole Younger take part in the raid.
²1878
ⁿThe American Bar Association is founded.
²1944
ⁿThe first talks between the victorious countries of World War II focus on the creation of a new "League of Nations," eventually developing the idea for the United Nations.
²1959
ⁿHawaii is admitted to the Union as the 50th state.
■0822
²1851
ⁿThe first America's Cup races are held, with the yacht America defeating over a dozen British ships.
²1911
ⁿIn an unusual move President Taft vetoes the admission of Arizona as a state because of disagreements with the State Constitution.
²1962
ⁿTwo U.S. nuclear submarines meet at the North Pole, demonstrating both that the submarines can be navigated effectively, and that they can be positioned in a location which brings their missiles to bear on the Soviet Union.
²1989
ⁿNolan Ryan, of the Texas Rangers, records his major league record 5,000th strike out.
■0823
²1912
ⁿAlaska becomes an officially recognized Territory of the United States.
²1939
ⁿHitler and Stalin sign a secret non-agression pact. This agreement essentially divided Poland into two halves, one for the Soviet Union and one for Germany. Hitler never intended to honor the agreement.
■0824
²1814
ⁿBritish forces occupy Washington D.C. during the War of 1812. The Capitol building and the White House are set afire.
²1989
ⁿAfter allegations of gambling on baseball games are substantiated, Pete Rose is banned from baseball for life. This sentence, unless lifted, will keep Pete Rose, the holder of the major league record for the most hits, out of the Hall of Fame.
■0825
²1916
ⁿThe National Park System is created.
²1944
ⁿParis is liberated by advancing allied forces. (WW 2)
■0826
²1920
ⁿAmerican women receive the right to vote as the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution goes into effect.
■0827
²1782
ⁿThe final engagement of the Revolutionary War occurs in South Carolina.
²1859
ⁿThe first oil well to successfully strike oil in the United States is run by Edwin Drake in Pennsylvania.
²1908
√Lyndon Johnson, the 36th President, is born in Stonewall, Texas.
■0828
²1867
ⁿThe United States annex the Midway Islands in the central Pacific.
²1922
ⁿThe first commercial is broadcast on radio station WEAF in New York.
²1963
ⁿThe Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers a resounding speech in Washington D.C. to two hundred thousand civil rights advocates. King's speech that day has since been called the "I have a dream..." speech.
■0829
²1957
ⁿThe Civil Rights Act of 1957 is enacted to ensure the voting rights of all citizens.
²1966
ⁿCandlestick Park becomes a part of Rock'n'Roll history as the Beatles perform their last public concert in the United States.
²1968
ⁿThe Democratic National Convention is interrupted by anti-war protesters, including Abbie Hoffman, as Hubert Humphrey wins the nomination for President. Hundreds of protesters are beaten by police.
■0830
²1781
ⁿA French fleet commanded by Admiral de Grasse arrives near Yorktown, further indicating French support for the rebellious Colonists. (Revolutionary War)
²1862
ⁿConfederate forces led by Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson rout Union forces at the Second Battle of Bull Run. (Civil War)
²1963
ⁿThe "hot line" telephone is installed to provide a direct link between Washington D.C. and Moscow.
²1983
ⁿThe first African-American astronaut, Lt. Colonel Guion S. Bluford, is launched into space aboard the space shuttle Challenger.
■0831
²1895
ⁿThe first recorded professional football game is played in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
²1942
ⁿGerman forces advance to within sight of Stalingrad in the Soviet Union, during World War II.
■0901
²1806
ⁿCaptain Zebulon Pike sets out on his historic exploration of the West.
²1807
ⁿAaron Burr (Thomas Jefferson's Vice President) is acquitted of treason charges.
²1923
ⁿOver 150,000 die as Japan suffers a devastating earthquake in Tokyo and Yokohama.
²1939
ⁿGermany invades Poland. Great Britain and France demand a German withdrawal. World War II begins.
■0902
²1864
ⁿGeneral William T. Sherman captures Atlanta, Georgia. (WW 2)
²1919
ⁿThe United States branch of the Communist Party is formed in Chicago, Illinois.
²1930
ⁿFrench aviators Dieudonne Coste and Maurice Bellonte make the first nonstop flight from Europe to the United States.
²1945
ⁿJapan signs papers of unconditional surrender aboard the U.S. Battleship Missouri ending World War II.
²1963
ⁿAlabama Governor George Wallace uses state troopers to oppose forced integration in Alabama public schools.
■0903
²1783
ⁿThe Treaty of Paris of 1783 officially ends the Revolutionary War.
²1939
ⁿIn response to Germany's invasion of Poland the day before, Great Britain and France declare war on Germany. Winston Churchill is named First Lord of the Admiralty. (WW 2)
²1943
ⁿAllied troops invade mainland Italy. (WW 2)
■0904
²1931
ⁿMajor James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle flies from Burbank, California to Newark New Jersy in 11 hours, 16 minutes, setting a new record.
²1940
ⁿHitler announces in a Berlin speech that he will invade England.
²1957
ⁿNegro students are barred from attending Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, by state troopers.
■0905
²1774
ⁿThe first Continental Congress assembles secretly in Philadelphia.
²1882
ⁿThe first Labor Day Parade, sponsored by powerful labor unions, is held in New York City.
²1939
ⁿPresident Franklin Roosevelt declares that the United States will remain neutral in the developing European War, which eventually developed into World War II.
²1945
ⁿAmerican forces accept the surrender of Japanese forces on Wake Island. (WW 2)
■0906
²1901
ⁿPresident William McKinley is shot and mortally wounded.
²1940
ⁿKing Carol II of Romania abdicates in advance of a German invasion. (WW 2)
■0907
²1813
ⁿ"Uncle Sam" is used as a nickname for the first time.
²1892
ⁿIn New Orleans, Louisiana, James J. Corbett knocks out John L. Sullivan in the first major prize fight to be fought unde the familiar "Marquis of Queensbury rules."
²1936
ⁿHoover Dam (then named "Boulder Dam") begins operation.
²1940
ⁿGermany begins the London Blitz, in an attempt to demoralize the British people. The blitz lasts for 85 nights, with casualties approaching 100,000 citizens. (WW 2)
■0908
²1900
ⁿA tidal wave and tornado destroys most of the town of Galveston, Texas, killing at least 6,000 people.
²1935
ⁿSenator Huey Long of Louisiana (the "Kingfish") is shot in the Louisiana State House.
²1939
ⁿThe Siege of Warsaw begins. German forces begin artillery attacks on the city. (WW 2)
²1941
ⁿThe Siege of Leningrad begins. The seventeen month siege involves so many German troops that Hitler postpones plans to invade England. (WW 2)
²1943
ⁿItaly surrenders to General Dwight Eisenhower. (WW 2)
²1945
ⁿA victorious General Douglas MacArthur begins the American occupation of Japan, following their unconditional surrender. (WW 2)
■0909
²1776
ⁿThe words "United States" are officially chosen to replace the previously used "United Colonies" in official documents of the Second Continental Congress.
²1850
ⁿCalifornia becomes the 31st state.
²1945
ⁿAllied liberating forces land in Korea, with the U.S. landing in the south and Soviet troops in the north. (WW 2)
■0910
²1813
ⁿCaptain Oliver Perry defeats British Naval forces at the Battle of Lake Erie. Perry utters the famous words: "We have met the enemy, and he is ours."
²1846
ⁿElias Howe receives a patent for the sewing machine.
²1962
ⁿCuba announces that they have granted the Soviet Union permission to establish a base for a "fishing fleet." Experts warn of its use as a submarine base.
■0911
²1777
ⁿGeneral George Washington is badly defeated by British General William Howe at the Battle of Brandywine, while defending Philadelphia. (Revolutionary War)
²1850
ⁿJenny Lind (the "Swedish Nightingale") opens her famous American concert series in New York.
²1941
ⁿPresident Franklin Roosevelt announces that the American Navy will fire on German U-Boats sighted in American waters. (WW 2)
■0912
²1953
ⁿJohn F. Kennedy weds Jacqueline Lee Bouvier.
■0913
²1788
ⁿThe U.S. Congress authorizes the first national election.
■0914
²1778
ⁿBenjamin Franklin sets out to France to negotiate the end of the Revolutionary War.
²1814
ⁿFrancis Scott Key pens the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" while imprisoned on a British warship during the War of 1812.
²1847
ⁿAmerican forces, led by General Winfield Scott and including Captain Robert E. Lee, occupy Mexico City. (Mexican War)
²1901
ⁿPresident William McKinley dies eight days after being mortally wounded by an assassin's bullet. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt becomes the new President.
■0915
²1857
√William Howard Taft, the 27th U.S. President, is born in Cincinnati, Ohio.
²1935
ⁿGerman Nazis enact the "Nuremberg Laws" revoking Jewish citizenship, legalizing many forms of racial persecution, and the Swastika becomes the official flag of Germany.
²1940
ⁿBritish and allied pilots destroy over 180 German airplanes in a battle that may have marked the turning point in the Battle of Britain. (WW 2)
²1942
ⁿGerman forces begin the Siege of Stalingrad. (WW 2)
²1959
ⁿPremier Nikita Krushchev of the Soviet Union visits the United States, the first such visit by any Soviet leader.
■0916
²1776
ⁿThe U.S. Congress offers $20.00 and 100 acres of land to any person who agrees to serve in the army until the end of the Revolutionary War.
²1920
ⁿA massive bomb explodes on Wall Street in New York, killing 30 people. The purpose behind this terrorist attack is never determined.
²1940
ⁿPresident Franklin Roosevelt signs the first American military draft order into law.
■0917
²1787
ⁿThe Constitution of the United States is completed and signed.
²1796
ⁿPresident George Washington gives his Farewell Address, ending what many consider to be the most distinguished career in American history.
²1862
ⁿGeneral Robert E. Lee retreats back to Virginia after having his invasion of Maryland turned back at the Battle of Antietam. (Civil War)
²1928
ⁿA devastating hurricane strikes southern portions of Florida, killing thousands in Florida and the Caribbean.
²1947
ⁿThe Department of Defense is created, merging all U.S. armed forces under one agency. James V. Forrestal is named the first Secretary of Defense.
■0918
²1793
ⁿThe cornerstone of the U.S. Capital building is laid by George Washington.
²1850
ⁿCongress passes the Fugitive Slave Act. This law allows a slave owner to reclaim a slave, even if the slave has escaped to a state which does not allow slavery.
²1927
ⁿThe Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) begins its broadcast dynasty with sixteen radio stations.
■0919
²1777
ⁿAmerican irregulars win the First Battle of Saratoga, in New York. (Revolutionary War)
²1863
ⁿThe Battle of Chicamauga begins in Georgia. Confederate forces win the battle the next day. (Civil War)
²1881
ⁿPresident James A. Garfield dies nearly two and a half months after being shot on July 2.
²1928
ⁿMickey Mouse makes his first public appearance in "Steamboat Willie."
²1932
ⁿBruno Hauptmann is arrested and charged with the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's infant son. Hauptmann is later convicted and executed.
²1960
ⁿFidel Castro and a Cuban entourage are asked to leave a New York Hotel after the management accuses the Cubans of "plucking chickens" in the hotel's rooms.
■0920
²1797
ⁿThe U.S.S. Constitution ("Old Ironsides") enters service in the U.S. Navy.
²1850
ⁿCongress votes to ban slave trading in the District of Columbia.
²1881
ⁿChester A. Arthur becomes President after the death of President James Harding.
²1963
ⁿPresident John F. Kennedy, in a speech at the U.N., proposes a joint American-Soviet manned expedition to the moon.
■1921
²1784
ⁿThe first daily newspaper published in the United States (The "Pennsylvania Packet & Daily Advertiser") is launched in Philadelphia.
²1893
ⁿThe first gas-driven "horseless carriage" is constructed in the United States by Frank Duryea, in Springfield Massachusetts.
²1897
ⁿThe famous editorial "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" is published by the New York Sun.
²1955
ⁿRocky Marciano knocks out Archie Moore in the ninth round for this 49th victory against zero losses.
■0922
²1776
ⁿNathan Hale is hanged as a traitor by British Occupying forces in New York City. His last words ("I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country") are used as a rallying cry by Revolutionary forces.
²1789
ⁿCongress authorizes the office of Postmaster General.
²1949
ⁿThe Soviet Union successfully explodes its first atomic bomb.
■0923
²1779
ⁿCommodore John Paul Jones wins an epic battle between his ship (the "Bonhomme Richard") and a British frigate (the "Serapis"), with Jones uttering the famous words: "I have not yet begun to fight!"
²1806
ⁿThe Lewis and Clark expedition arrives back in St. Louis, Missouri after travelling over 8,000 miles of uncharted wilderness.
²1952
ⁿRocky Marciano wins the heavyweight boxing title after knocking out "Jersey Joe" Walcott in the thirteenth round.
■0924
²1789
ⁿThe Judiciary Act is passed by Congress, creating the office of Attorney General and the Supreme Court.
²1869
ⁿA massive Wall Street panic is precipitated by Jay Gould and James Fisk in an attempt to corner the gold market.
²1934
ⁿBabe Ruth makes his final appearance as a New York Yankee at Yankee Stadium, otherwise known as "The House the Ruth Built."
²1963
ⁿThe U.S. Senate approves ratification of a nuclear test ban, which bans all above-ground nuclear tests.
■0925
²1789
ⁿUnder strong urging from Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Congress adopts the first twelve amendments to the new Constitution. Ten of these amendments were subsequently ratified and are now known as the "Bill of Rights."
²1804
ⁿThe Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution becomes law. This amendment allowed for separate votes for President and Vice President.
²1890
ⁿYosemite National Park (in California) is established.
²1961
ⁿPresident John Kennedy, in a speech at the U.N., announces that the West will defend the city of West Berlin at all costs.
■0926
²1777
ⁿPhiladelphia is occupied by victorious British Troops. (Revolutionary War)
²1789
ⁿJohn Jay is appointed the first Supreme Court Chief Justice by President George Washington.
²1950
ⁿU.N. troops liberate Seoul, the Capital of South Korea, from occupation by North Koreans. (Korean War)
²1960
ⁿVice President Richard Nixon and Senator John Kennedy stage the first of their four famous "Kennedy-Nixon" debates on national television.
■0927
²1779
ⁿJohn Adams is appointed to negotiate peace terms with Great Britain at the end of the Revolutionary War.
²1940
ⁿGermany, Italy and Japan sign the "Tripartate Pact," in effect establishing the Axis powers as wartime allies. (WW 2)
²1945
ⁿEmperor Hirohito of Japan calls on General Douglas MacArthur, the first time a Japanese Emperor has ever "called on" a foreign dignitary. This was seen as a way to get Japanese citizens to work with the American occupying forces.
²1964
ⁿThe Warren Commission released its report after ten months of studying the Kennedy assasination. The Commission reported that Lee Harvey Oswald had acted alone in the act, a conclusion that is still debated hotly.
■0928
²1781
ⁿGeneral George Washington begins the siege of Yorktown, aided by French troops and the French Navy. (Revolutionary War)
²1850
ⁿFlogging is outlawed as a method of punishment in the U.S. Navy.
²1920
ⁿEight players of the Chicago White Sox (nicknamed the "Black Sox") are indicted for "throwing" the World Series. The most prominent player indicted is "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, prompting the now familiar refrain: "Say it ain't so, Joe."
²1957
ⁿMrs. Franklin Roosevelt interviews Premier Nikita Krushchev of the Soviet Union. The meeting is not pleasant.
■0929
²1789
ⁿThe U.S. War Department establishes the first "regular" army.
²1941
ⁿThe U.S. and Great Britain agree to send food and supplies to the Soviet Union to help that country endure the German advance. (WW 2)
■0930
²1846
ⁿThe first use of anasthesia by a dentist while extracting a tooth is performed in Massachusetts by Dr. William Morton.
²1935
ⁿThe premier performance of the musical "Porgy and Bess" is performed in Boston.
²1938
ⁿEngland's Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain returns from Munich with a promise of "Peace in our Time."
²1939
ⁿThe first televised football game, between Fordham University and Waynesburg College.
²1946
ⁿThe World War II "Nuremburg trials" end with 22 guilty verdicts. Eleven of the convicted are sentenced to death.
²1953
ⁿEarl Warren is named the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Dwight Eisenhower, a decision the President came to regret deeply.
²1962
ⁿA frustrated President John Kennedy sends the National Guard to Oxford, Mississippi, to force the admission of the negro James Meredith into the University of Mississippi. A violent riot erupts.
■1001
²1880
ⁿJohn Phillip Sousa takes over as the conductor of the U.S. Marine Corps band.
²1880
ⁿThomas Edison's "Lamp Works" begins producing the first light bulbs.
²1909
ⁿThe Model T Ford is announced and shown to the public for the first time.
²1924
ⁿJames Earl Carter, 38th President, is born in Plains, Georgia.
²1942
ⁿThe first American jet airplane (the XP-59) is tested. Based on a jet engine developed in England before the war, development of the technology is too slow to be a factor in World War II.
²1961
ⁿRoger Maris sets the single-season home run record when he hits his 61st home run in the last game of the season, surpassing Babe Ruth's record of 60.
²1971
ⁿWalt Disney World, in Orlando, Florida opens for business.
■1002
²1871
ⁿMormon leader Brigham Young is arrested for polygamy.
²1967
ⁿThurgood Marshall becomes the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.
²1971
√Singer Tiffany Darwish is born.
²1980
ⁿPennsylvania legislator Michael Myers of Pennsylvania is expelled from the House of Representatives after being convicted of bribery.
■1003
²1862
ⁿThe Battle of Corinth. Union forces are turned back by Confederate forces in Mississippi. (Civil War
²1984
ⁿRichard Miller becomes the first agent in the history of the FBI to be charged with espionage.
■1004
²1822
ⁿRutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President, is born in Delaware.
²1862
ⁿOn the second day of fighting, Union forces repel the Confederate army at Corinth, Mississippi.
²1895
ⁿThe first U.S. Open golf tournament is won by Horace Rawlins in Newport, Rhode Island.
■1005
²1813
ⁿIndian Chief Tecumseh is mortally wounded at the Battle of the Thames. His dying curse on the American people is to suffer the loss of every President elected in a year ending with zero. This proves prophetic until 1988 when Reagan leaves office.
²1829
√Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President, is born in Fairfield, Vermont.
²1877
ⁿChief Joseph of the Nez Perces Indians surrenders to Federal troops in Montana.
²1921
ⁿThe World Series is broadcast on radio for the first time.
²1931
ⁿThe first nonstop flight across the Pacific is performed by Hugh Herndon and Clyde Pangborn.
²1953
ⁿEarl Warren becomes Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
■1006
²1890
ⁿThe Mormon Church officially discontinues the policy of bigamy.
²1958
ⁿThe Sea Wolf, an American nuclear submarine, surfaces after enduring 60 days of underwater isolation.
■1007
²1780
ⁿAmerican revolutionary forces defeat a British force at Kings Mountain, South Carolina.
²1826
ⁿThe first railroad track in the United States is laid in Massachusetts.
²1950
ⁿU.S. forces invade North Korea, hoping to force the government of North Korea to renew peace talks. (Korean War)
²1982
ⁿ"Cats" begins its long run at the Winter Garden theatre in New York.
²1985
ⁿLeon Klinghoffer, an American tourist, is killed by terrorists who have hijacked the Greek ship "Archille Lauro, in the Mediterranean Sea.
■1008
²1862
ⁿThe Battle of Perryville. Confederate troops are in retreat after losing this key battle in Kentucky. (Civil War)
²1871
ⁿThe Chicago Fire. Legend has it that a cow owned by Mrs. O'Leary started the fire by kicking over a lantern onto dry hay. The fire destroys a major part of the city.
²1956
ⁿDon Larsen pitches a perfect game in the World Series, the only pitcher in major league history to do so. He faces 27 batters and gets every one out.
²1988
ⁿLos Angeles Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser allows a run after pitching a record 67 scoreless innings.
■1009
²1776
ⁿA mission is founded at the location of present day San Francisco by Franciscan missionary Juan Batista de Anza.
²1781
ⁿGeorge Washington completes his greatest military maneuver, forcing General Cornwallis' British forces against the sea at Yorktown, Virginia. Cornwallis is hoping for reinforcements by sea, unaware a French fleet has interceded. (Revolutionary War)
²1928
ⁿBabe Ruth hits three home runs in a single World Series game, a record.
²1965
ⁿThe Beatles score yet another number one hit with the song "Yesterday."
²1983
ⁿPresident Reagan's Secretary of the Interior, James Watt, resigns after making remarks many consider racist.
■1010
²1845
ⁿThe U.S. Naval Academy opens.
²1963
ⁿDr. Linus Pauling wins the Nobel Peace Prize, his second Nobel prize, for his efforts to ban nuclear testing.
²1973
ⁿVice President Spiro Agnew resigns after pleading no contest on tax evasion charges.
■1011
²1950
ⁿColor television becomes a reality as the FCC gives CBS a license to begin broadcasting color images.
²1968
ⁿThe Apollo Project, designed to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade, launches Apollo 7, the first manned Apollo mission. On board are Walter Schirra, Jr., Donn Eisels and Walter Cunningham.
²1984
ⁿThe NASA Space Shuttle program achieves a new milestone with the first U.S. female to walk in space when Dr. Kathyrn Sullivan leaves the orbiter.
■1012
²1492
ⁿChristopher Columbus sights land and believes he has reached the East Indies. He claims the land in the name of King Ferdinand of Spain.
²1792
ⁿColumbus Day is observed for the first time.
²1837
ⁿTexas, swept with a fever to become a new country, withdraws its request to be admitted to the Union as a state.
²1928
ⁿThe iron lung is used for the first time.
²1960
ⁿNikita Kruschev pounds on the podium at the United Nations with a shoe during a speech before the General Assembly. Analysis of photos of the speech reveal that Kruschev had both of HIS shoes on during the episode.
²1971
ⁿAmid mixed reviews and some controversy, the play Jesus Christ, Superstar opens in New York.
■1013
²1864
ⁿPressured by Northern concerns, and in full awareness of the presence of thousands of Union troops, the Maryland Legislature drafts a new state Constitution, this one containing provisions which ban slavery.
²1942
ⁿGerman armored forces reach the Volga River in their drive toward Moscow during World War II.
■1014
²1890
√Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President, is born in Denison, Texas.
²1899
ⁿPresident William McKinley rides in an automobile, the first President to do so.
²1912
ⁿA shot rings out in a crowd as Presidential candidate Theodore Roosevelt makes a campaign speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The former President Roosevelt is wounded.
²1933
ⁿIn an ominous development, Adolph Hitler pulls Germany out of the League of Nations.
²1947
ⁿColonel Chuck Yeager pilots the experimental Bell X-1 past the sound barrier, a milestone in aviation that is under-appreciated in this day of Mach 3 aircraft and spacecraft.
²1964
ⁿThe Nobel Prize Committee awards the Nobel Peace Prize to American civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King, Jr. citing King's committment to a nonviolent solution to racial problems in America.
■1015
²1900
ⁿThe Symphony Hall in Boston opens.
²1946
ⁿNazi Field Marshal Hermann Goering commits suicide before his scheduled execution for war crimes committed in World War II.
²1966
ⁿCongress creates the Department of Transportation.
■1016
²1701
ⁿYale University, the first University in the Colonies, is founded in Connecticut.
²1839
ⁿJoseph Saxton builds a home-made camera and takes the earliest known photograph.
²1859
ⁿTension between North and South is heightened when John Brown and a group of abolitionist supporters sieze the Federal Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia.
²1863
ⁿPresident Lincoln rewards Ulysses Grant for his early victories in the Civil War by giving him command of the Military Division of the Mississippi.
²1901
ⁿPresident Roosevelt invites Booker T. Washington to the White House, infuriating much of the South.
²1925
ⁿThe Texas state legislature bans the teaching of evolutionary theory in public schools.
■1017
²1777
ⁿThe Battle of Saratoga ends with the surrender of over 5500 British troops. (Revolutionary War)
²1931
ⁿUnable to collect sufficient evidence of racketeering, fraud, murder or any other federal crime, the FBI manages to convict "Scarface" Al Capone of tax evasion.
²1933
ⁿGerman physicist Albert Einstein, generally considered to be the most brilliant mind of his time, flees German persecution of Jews and enters the United States. The brilliant physicist soon becomes a U.S. citizen.
■1018
²1951
ⁿThe Nobel prize in medicine is awarded to Dr. Max Theiler for his yellow fever vaccine.
²1962
ⁿIn recognition of his work on defining the molecular structure of DNA, Dr. James Watson is awarded a share of the Nobel Prize in medicine.
²1968
ⁿBob Beamon sets a world long jump record during the Olympic Games in Mexico City. His jump of 29 feet, 2 1/2 inches becomes one of the most enduring sports records in history.
²1977
ⁿ"Mr. October" Reggie Jackson ties Babe Ruth's record of three home runs in a single World Series game.
■1019
²1781
ⁿAfter realizing that General George Washington has him outflanked and French naval forces are engaging his hoped-for reinforcements, British General Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, ending major hostilities of the Revolutionary War.
²1863
ⁿA major cavalry engagement between General J.E.B. Stuart of the Confederacy and General Judson Kilpatrick of the Union at Buckland Mills, Virginia ends with a Confederate victory.
²1864
ⁿThe northernmost penetration of Southern forces in the Civil War occur when a Confederate force raids the town of St. Albans, Vermont.
²1941
ⁿIn an effort to bolster sagging hopes and encourage resistance, Joseph Stalin announces that he will not leave Moscow as German forces advance upon the city.
²1987
ⁿThe New York Stock Exchange is stunned by a record-breaking loss of 508 points in the Dow Jones averages.
■1020
²1864
ⁿPresident Lincoln sets aside the last Thursday in October as a day of "Thanksgiving" during the Civil War.
²1944
ⁿGeneral Douglas MacArthur returns triumphantly to the Phillipines, fulfilling his promise to return.
²1947
ⁿA paranoid House of Representatives committee, the House Un-American Activities Committee, begins investigating the entertainment industry.
²1964
ⁿHerbert Hoover, the 31st President, dies in New York.
■1021
²1861
ⁿConfederate forces ambush Union forces at Balls Bluff in Leesburg, Virginia, killing almost 2,000 soldiers, sustaining almost no casualties themselves. (Civil War)
²1915
ⁿAT&T successfully transmits the first voice message across the Atlantic.
²1944
ⁿThe town of Aachen, Germany falls to advancing Allied forces after a week of close-quartered house to house fighting, some of the most difficult fighting of World War II.
■1022
²1746
ⁿPrinceton University (then called the "College of New Jersey") is founded.
²1836
ⁿTexas' greatest war hero, General Sam Houston, becomes the first President of the Republic of Texas.
²1962
ⁿIn a televised speech, a visibly disturbed President John Kennedy announces that the Soviet Union is building missile bases on the island of Cuba. This announcement begins the "Cuban Missile Crisis."
■1023
²1924
ⁿThe first national network radio broadcast is made when President Calvin Coolidge makes a speech to the American public.
²1983
ⁿ241 American Marines are killed when a truck laden with plastic explosives is driven on a suicide mission into the Marine compound.
■1024
²1861
ⁿAnother Industrial Age milestone is reached when the first coast-to-coast telegraph message is sent from San Francisco to Washington D.C.
²1864
ⁿGeneral William T. Sherman is placed in charge of the Union Army of Tennessee. He promptly announces his plan to march to the sea, splitting the Confederacy east of the Mississippi. (Civil War)
²1931
ⁿThe George Washington Bridge between New York and New Jersey opens.
²1949
ⁿThe United Nations building in New York City opens for business.
²1962
ⁿPresident Kennedy raises the stakes in the Cuban Missile Crisis by ordering a Naval blockade of Cuba. Kennedy announces that all ships delivering material from the Soviet Union will be boarded and searched.
■1025
²1813
ⁿThe Battle of Chateugay. American forces defeat British forces outside of Montreal, during the War of 1812.
²1962
ⁿIn an unusual move, the Nobel Prize Committee awards the Nobel Prize in Literature to American author John Steinbeck, citing his entire body of work, instead of a single novel, short story or biographical piece.
²1983
ⁿAmericans wake up to the news that President Ronald Reagan has ordered the invasion of the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada. The invasion is designed to protect American medical students who are threatened by a bloody Marxist coup.
■1026
²1825
ⁿThe Erie Canal opens, linking the Hudson River and Lake Erie.
²1881
ⁿIn one of the legendary gun battles of the old west, Marshal Virgil Earp, his brother Wyatt and "Doc" Holliday kill Billy Clanton and two members of his gang at the OK Corral in Tombstone Arizona.
²1944
ⁿThe Battle of Leyte Gulf. This was the last major engagement between the naval forces of the U.S. and Japan. It was also the largest naval engagement of World War II. The Japanese fleet never recovers from the battle.
²1971
ⁿAmerican chess prodigy Bobby Fischer qualifies to challenge for the world chess championship, the first American to do so.
■1027
²1787
ⁿThe Federalist papers begin publication. This "anonymous" series was authored principally by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. Their purpose is to prepare American citizens for a new Constitution.
²1810
ⁿWest Florida is annexed. This area includes territory stretching to the Mississippi River. Several parishes in Louisiana are still known as the "Florida parishes" from this annexation of territory.
²1858
√Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President, is born in New York.
²1904
ⁿThe New York Subway rail system begins operation.
■1028
²1636
ⁿHarvard College is founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
²1776
ⁿThe Battle of White Plains. General George Washington suffers a devastating loss in this Revolutionary War battle in New York. Nevertheless he escapes with his remaining forces and continues to fight.
²1962
ⁿThe Cuban Missile Crisis ends as the Soviet Union agrees to withdraw its missiles from Cuba. Although it is not announced to Americans, U.S. missile bases in Turkey are sacrificed to resolve the crisis.
²1965
ⁿThe Gateway Arch in St. Louis is completed.
²1972
ⁿThe Consumer Product Safety Commission is created.
■1029
²1929
ⁿBlack Tuesday. The New York Stock Market crashes in the worst financial disaster in American History. This plunges the nation and the world into a devastating economic depression that helped fan the flames that led to World War II.
²1963
ⁿIn one of the most daring jewel thefts in history, the Star of India, a 565 carat sapphire, is stolen from the New York Museum of Natural History.
■1030
²1735
John Adams, the second President, is born in Braintree Massachusetts.
²1938
ⁿOrson Welles performs an adaptation of H.G. Wells "War of the Worlds," causing a national panic when listeners believe that a Martian invasion is actually under way.
²1974
ⁿMuhammad Ali, returned from his expulsion from Boxing after being convicted of draft evasion, recaptures the heavyweight boxing crown by knocking out George Foreman in the eigth round.
■1031
²1864
ⁿNevada is admitted to the Union as the 36th state.
²1952
ⁿThe destructive power of the fusion reaction is released as the U.S. explodes the first "thermonuclear" bomb at Eniwetok atoll in the Pacific ocean. Also known as "H-bombs" these new bombs dwarf earlier fission devices, like those dropped on Japan.
■1101
²1743
ⁿThe Rocky Mountains are reached by French explorer Pierre de la Verendrye.
²1765
ⁿThe Stamp Act goes into effect prompting Colonists to lower their flags to half-mast.
²1879
ⁿA patent is awarded to Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park, New Jersey, for the first electric lamp.
²1913
ⁿNotre Dame wins the first ever Army-Notre Dame football game 35-10. This game brought Knute Rockne to the attention of the sports world and featured a new play called the "forward pass."
²1956
ⁿThe discovery of the transistor effect by William Shockley, Walter Brattain and John Bardeen of Bell Telephone Laboratories wins them the Nobel Prize in Physics.
■1102
²1795
√In North Carolina, James Polk, eleventh President of the United States, is born.
²1865
√Twenty-ninth President of the United States, Warren Gamaliel Harding, is born in Corsica, Ohio.
²1889
ⁿThe Union welcomes North and South Dakota as the thirty-ninth and fortieth states.
²1950
ⁿThe first color television broadcasts in the United States are begun by the Columbia Broadcasting System.
■1103
²1893
ⁿIdaho, in a popular vote, grants full suffrage to women.
²1917
ⁿThe first engangement of WWI for American forces occurs when German forces attack near the Rhine-Marne Canal in France where three American soldiers met their deaths.
²1930
ⁿThe Academy Award for Best Picture of 1929-1930 goes to "All Quiet on the Western Front."
²1960
ⁿWillard F. Libby's of California discovery of a method of radioactive carbon dating nets him the Nobel Prize in Physics.
²1973
ⁿ"Mariner 10" becomes the first Mercury probe from the United States.
■1104
²1842
ⁿAbraham Lincoln, 33, marries Mary Todd, 23. One guest remarked that the bridegroom looked as "pale and trembling as being driven to a slaughter."
²1862
ⁿA patent for a rapid fire cannon, the Gatling Gun, is awarded to Richard J. Gatling.
²1879
√"All I know is just what I read in the papers." Will Rodgers, humorist, philosopher, actor and author, is born.
²1939
ⁿThe Neutrality Act of 1939, designed to allow the United States to aid England and France during WWII, is signed by President Roosevelt.
²1976
ⁿBaseball's first free-agent draft sees Reggie Jackson sign with the New York Yankees.
²1979
ⁿ65 American's are taken hostage when militants seize the American Embassy in Teheran, Iran.
■1105
²1768
ⁿThe League of Iroquois sell parts of West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Southwestern New York and wester Pennsylvania.
²1911
ⁿThe first completed cross-country flight ends when Calbraith P. Rodgers lands in Pasadena, California. At the time, the forty-nine day trip was considered just short of miraculous.
²1930
ⁿ"Babbit" by Sinclair Lewis lands him the Nobel Prize for Literature, the first for an American.
²1966
ⁿ"The Fantasticks" becomes the longest running musical in New York history.
■1106
²1860
ⁿAbraham Lincoln becomes the President of the United States.
²1861
ⁿRunning unopposed, Jefferson Davis is elected the President of the permanent Government of the Confederacy.
²1869
ⁿThe first intercollegiate football game in the United States is won by Rutgers over Princeton by a score of 6-4.
²1923
ⁿA patent for the first electric shaver is awarded to Colonel Jacob Schick.
■1107
²1805
ⁿLewis and Clark sight the Pacific Ocean proving that America is a vast continent stretched between two oceans.
²1820
ⁿRunning for his second term, President James Monroe receives a whopping 231 out of a total 232 electoral votes.
²1836
ⁿCalifornia declares its independence from Mexico.
²1874
ⁿThe first use of an elephant symbolizing the Republican party occurs when "Harper's Weekly" publishes a political cartoon.
²1933
ⁿFiorello LaGuardia's election to mayor of New York City ends 16 years of Tammany Hall control over local politics.
²1940
ⁿWind vibration causes the collapse of a suspension bridge over Puget Sound in Washington.
²1944
ⁿPresident Roosevelt's reelection makes him the first and only four-term President in United States history.
²1962
ⁿIn a news conference in Los Angeles, Richard Nixon tells the press "You won't have Nixon to kick around any more."
■1108
²1805
ⁿThe Pacific Ocean is reached by Lewis and Clark.
²1884
ⁿSidney McClure forms the first newspaper syndicate.
²1889
ⁿThe Union welcomes Montana as the forty-first state.
²1929
ⁿIn New York, the Museum of Modern Art opens.
■1109
²1906
ⁿSailing on the battleship U.S.S. Louisiana to Panama, Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first President to visit a foreign country.
²1918
ⁿThe throne of Germany is abdicated by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
²1933
ⁿPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt creates the Civil Works Administration (CWA) as an emergency agency to provide jobs for more thatn four million out of work men and women.
²1939
ⁿThe Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded to Ernest Orlando of the University of California for his development of the cyclotron.
²1965
ⁿA massive power failure in western New York plunges 80,000 square miles of the Northeast into darkness.
■1110
²1766
ⁿIn New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers University is established.
²1775
ⁿThe Continental Congress authorizes the U.S. Marine Corps.
²1911
ⁿThe first major charitable foundation in the United states, the Carnegie Foundation, is established by Andrew Carnegie.
²1938
ⁿPearl S. Buck wins the Nobel Prize for Literature for "The Good Earth."
■1111
²1865
ⁿThe first Medal of Honor awarded to a woman goes to Mary E. Walker, also the first woman surgeon in the United States Army.
²1889
ⁿThe forty-second state, Washinton, joins the Union.
²1918
ⁿIn a railroad car in the forest of Compiegne, France, Germany signs an armistice ending World War I.
²1921
ⁿPresident Warreng G. Harding dedicates a tomb in which America's Unknown Soldier is buried in ceremonies attended by some 100,000 people. "Here rests in honored glory an American Soldier known but to God."
²1939
ⁿThe American public hears Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" for the first time when Kate Smith sings it as a highlight to her Armistice Day radio broadcast.
■1112
²1920
ⁿJudge Kenesaw Mountain Landis is appointed the first "Czar" of baseball with powers to regulate players and codes of conduct.
²1942
ⁿThe draft age is lowered to 18 during World War II by President Roosevelt.
²1946
ⁿThe Exchange National Bank of Chicago opens becoming the first drive-in bank in the United States.
²1980
ⁿFlying within 77,000 miles of Saturn, "Voyager I" discovers more rings than previously known.
■1113
²1921
ⁿHollywood releases "The Sheik" with Rudolph Valentino. Reportedly, half a dozen women swooned at the picture's start.
²1927
ⁿThe first underwater tunnel in the United States, the Holland Tunnel, opens connecting New York and New Jersey.
²1933
ⁿThe first recorded "sit-down" strike in the United States takes place at the Hormel Packing Company in Austin, Texas.
²1946
ⁿClouds are successfully artificially seeded for the first time resulting in rain over Mount Graylock, Massachusetts.
²1977
ⁿThe comic strip "Li'l Abner" sees its last installment.
■1114
²1832
ⁿReferred to by New Yorkers as the "horse car," the first streetcar in the world makes its appearance in New York City. The car was drawn by two horse on laid tracks and could accommodate 30 people.
²1851
ⁿHerman Melville's "Moby Dick" is published by Harper and Brothers in New York.
²1910
ⁿFrom the United States light cruiser the "Birmingham," Eugene Ely successfully takes off becoming the first to do so from a ship's deck.
²1943
ⁿAn NFL record seven touchdown passes are thrown by Sid Luckman of the Chicago Bears in a game against the New York Giants.
²1972
ⁿFor the first time the Dow Jones Index closes in excess of 1000.
■1115
²1777
ⁿThe Articles of Confederation are adopted by the Continental Congress.
²1806
ⁿPike's Peak, in present-day Colorado, is discovered by American explorer Zebulon Pike.
²1904
ⁿEthel Barrymore coins the phrase "That's all there is; there isn't any more."
²1922
ⁿThe discovery of white corpuscles which act to prevent the spread of infection is announced the Dr. Alexis Carrel.
²1934
ⁿThe discovery of the hydrogen isotope deuterium nets Harold Clayton Urey the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
■1116
²1776
ⁿAt St. Eustatius, Dutch West Indies, the flag of the United States is saluted for the first time.
²1864
ⁿIn order to cut the Confederacy in half during the Civil War, a march to the sea from Atlanta is begun by the Union Army, commanded by General William T. Sherman.
²1907
ⁿThe forty-sixth state, Oklahoma, joins the Union.
²1973
ⁿThe Alaska Pipeline Act is signed by President Nixon, thus authorizing the construction of the Alaska Pipeline from the North Slope to Valdez.
■1117
²1744
ⁿThe first military group in the colonies is formed, the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse.
²1800
ⁿCongress convenes for the first time in Washington in the north wing of the Capitol, the only portion of the building completed at that time.
²1969
ⁿThe first round of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks in Helsinki, Finland, opens between the United States and Russia.
■1118
²1805
ⁿThiry women meeting at the home of Mrs. Silas Lee organize the first woman's club in America, the Female Charitable Society.
²1820
ⁿAntarctica is discovered the American sailor Nathaniel B. Palmer, Captain of the sloop, "Hero."
²1883
ⁿThe United States is divided into standard time zones by Congress.
²1966
ⁿThe announcement is made that abstinence from eating meat on Fridays, will no longer be required by the United States Roman Catholic Church.
■1119
²1831
√In Ohio, twentieth President James A. Garfield is born.
²1863
ⁿAt the military cemetery on the Gettysburg battlefield, President Abraham Lincoln delivers his Gettysburg Address.
²1893
ⁿIn the "New York World," the first color newspaper supplement is published.
■1120
²1620
ⁿPeregrine White, a baby girl, becomes the first child born in the New England colonies. The birth occurs aboard the "Mayflower" at anchor in the Massachusetts Bay.
²1789
ⁿNew Jersey becomes the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.
²1919
ⁿIn Tuscon, Arizona, the first municipal airport in the United States opens.
²1920
ⁿFor his efforts towards promoting the League of Nations, President Woodrow Wilson is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
²1945
ⁿ21 German war criminals go on trial in Nuremberg, Germany. (WW 2)
²1977
ⁿA record 275 rushing yards is set by Waltor Payton of the Chicago Bears in a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
■1121
²1620
ⁿThe Mayflower Compact is signed by the pilgrims, becoming the first social contract for a New England colony.
²1877
ⁿIn Menlo Park, New Jersey, Thomas A. Edison announces that he has invented a talking machine.
²1925
ⁿHarold E. "Red" Grange plays his last varsity game at the University of Illinois before turning professional and signing with the Chicago Bears.
²1974
ⁿPublic access to government files is expanded by the passage of the Freedom of Information Act.
■1122
²1909
ⁿMiss Helen Hayes makes her New York stage debut at the Herald Square Theater in the play "In Old Dutch."
²1918
ⁿNew York City's Great White Way floods with light as Fuel Administrator Harry A. Garfield lifts the WWI ban known also as "lightless nights."
²1924
ⁿThe first football game watched by over 100,000 people is played between the University of California and Stanford.
²1950
ⁿThe lowest scoring game in NBA history, 19-18, is won by the Fort Wayne Pistons over the Minneapolis Lakers.
²1963
ⁿAfter being shot in Dallas, Texas, twenty-fifth President John F. Kennedy dies. The circumstances surrounding the assassination are controversial to this day.
²1969
ⁿThe isolation of a single gene, the basic unit of heredity, is announced by scientists at Harvard University.
■1123
²1804
√In Hillsboro, New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce, fourteenth President of the United States, is born.
²1889
ⁿThe Palais Royal Saloon sees the installation of the first juke box.
²1936
ⁿAt a dinner celebrating the United States Patent Office's centennial, the first practical use of fluorescent lighting is made.
²1945
ⁿWith the exception of sugar, all food rationing in the United States is stopped as World War II ends.
■1124
²1784
√Twelfth President of the United States, Zachary Taylor, is born in Virginia County, New York.
²1835
ⁿThe Texas Rangers are formed by the Texas Provincial Government.
²1930
ⁿMiss Ruth Nichols sets out on the first transcontinental air flight across the United States to be made by a woman.
²1960
ⁿPhiledelphia Warrior Wilt Chamberlain snags 55 rebounds against the Boston Celtics.
²1963
ⁿWhile millions watch on television, Lee Harvey Oswald, accused assassin of President John Kennedy, is shot by Jack Ruby as Oswald is being escorted by Dallas police.
■1125
²1758
ⁿFort Duquesne is blown up by the French during the French and Indian War in order to prevent it from falling into British hands.
²1876
ⁿWith a platform featuring the inflation of United States currency, the Greenback party is formed in Indianapolis.
²1920
ⁿWTAW of College Station, Texas, broadcasts the first play-by-play description of a football game in radio history, reporting the plays of the Texas University versus Texas Aggie game.
■1126
²1791
ⁿThe first cabinet meeting is conducted by President George Washington.
²1825
ⁿThe first collegiate social fraternity is organized by students at Union College in Schenectady, New York. The Greek-letter society was called "Kappa Alpha."
²1832
ⁿThe first streetcar in the United States begins operating thanks to the New York & Harlem Railroad.
²1861
ⁿDuring the Civil War a convention in western Virginia votes to secede from Virginia. The new area, called West Virginia, sides with the North and asks to be admitted as a new state.
■1127
²1966
ⁿAn NFL record nine points after touchdowns in a game are kicked by Charlie Gogolak of the Washington Redskins.
²1977
ⁿThe Concorde SST sets down at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, its first landing in the United States.
■1128
²1519
ⁿWhile searching for a route to the West Indies, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan reaches the world's largest ocean, the Pacific.
²1775
ⁿDuring the revolutionary war, the Continental Navy is established.
²1863
ⁿThe first Thanksgiving set aside by national proclamation is observed by the the nation.
²1925
ⁿIn Nashville, Tennessee, the Grand Ole Opry opens.
²1928
ⁿRichard Byrd reaches the South Pole.
²1942
ⁿAt the Coconut Grove nightclub in Boston, four hundred-eighty-seven people are killed in one of the worst fires in the United States.
■1129
²1890
ⁿIn their first annual football game, Navy beats Army 24-0.
²1929
ⁿA year-and-a-day after successfully leading an expedition to the South Pole, Lt. Commander Richard E. Byrd makes the first successful flight over the South Pole.
²1987
ⁿA pass interception is returned for a record 103 yards by Venice Glen of the San Diego Chargers in a game against the Denver Broncos.
■1130
²1835
√Author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, is born.
²1917
ⁿWith soldiers from every state in the Union, the United States "Rainbow" Division arrives in France. (WW 1)
²1924
ⁿThe first wireless transmissions of photographs, from London to New York, is demonstrated by the Radio Corporation of America.
■1201
²1824
ⁿThe closest Presidential campaign in history ends with electoral votes as follows: John Q. Adams - 84; Andrew Jackson - 99; William Crawford - 31; Henry Clay - 37. With no clear majority, the election is thrown into the House of Representatives.
²1917
ⁿFather Edward Flanagan founds Boys Town outside of Omaha, Nebraska. The home still serves as a way station for orphans and other homeless boys.
²1955
ⁿMrs. Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery Alabama.
■1202
²1812
ⁿJames Madison is re-elected President of the United States.
²1823
ⁿPresident James Monroe presents the "Monroe Doctrine" warning European powers that the United States shall not abide European meddling in the affairs of the western hemisphere (North, South and Latin America).
²1840
ⁿWilliam Henry Harrison is elected President.
²1859
ⁿJohn Brown is hanged in Charlestown, Virginia for his role in the raid on Harpers Ferry in October.
²1927
ⁿHenry Ford unveils the Model A Ford.
²1942
ⁿThe nuclear age is born at the University of Chicago. A self-sustaining nuclear reaction is reached and maintained below the university's football stadium.
■1203
²1818
ⁿIllinois becomes the 21st state.
²1828
ⁿAndrew Jackson is elected President.
²1868
ⁿJefferson Davis, ex-President of the Confederacy, is tried for treason.
■1204
²1783
ⁿGeneral George Washington bids farewell to his officers in New York thereby symbolizing the true end of the Revolutionary War.
²1816
ⁿJames Monroe is elected President.
²1844
ⁿJames K. Polk is elected President.
²1918
ⁿPresident Woodrow Wilson leaves to attend the Peace Conference at Versailles France. (WW 1)
²1942
ⁿThe Works Progress Administration (WPA) is disbanded by President Franklin Roosevelt.
■1205
²1776
ⁿPhi Beta Kappa is organized at William and Mary College in Virginia.
²1782
√Martin Van Buren, the eighth President, is born. President Van Buren was born during the Revolutionary War and as such, was the first President born in the "United States."
²1832
ⁿAndrew Jackson is elected to his second term.
²1906
ⁿPresident Theodore Roosevelt refuses to accept the monetary portion of the Nobel Peace Prize ($40,000 at the time).
²1933
ⁿUtah ratifies the 21st amendment, thereby nullifying the 18th amendment which had created Prohibition.
²1955
ⁿMartin Luther King organizes a boycott of city buses after the arrest of Rosa Parks, a black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white man. This was the beginning of Dr. King's rise to national prominence.
■1206
²1847
ⁿAbraham Lincoln begins his first term in Congress as the Representative from Illinois.
²1876
ⁿRutherford B. Hayes becomes President when a special Congressional commission "resolves" disputed Electoral College results. The commission voted on strict party lines, eight Republicans to seven Democrats on all disputed votes.
²1941
ⁿPresident Franklin Roosevelt sends a note to Japanese Emperor Hirohito proposing peaceful settlements to U.S.-Japanese disputes. (WW 2)
²1943
ⁿGeneral Dwight D. Eisenhower is selected as the supreme commander for the forthcoming invasion of Europe by Allied forces. (WW 2)
²1957
ⁿThe AFL-CIO votes to cast out the United Brotherhood of Teamsters, on charges that the Teamsters Union is dominated by corrupt elements.
■1207
²1787
ⁿDelaware becomes the first state to ratify the new U.S. Constitution.
²1808
ⁿJames Madison defeats Charles C. Pinckney to become President.
²1836
ⁿMartin Van Buren defeats William Henry Harrison to become President.
²1917
ⁿThe 42nd Division of U.S. soldiers arrives in France to fight in the "Great War."
²1941
ⁿJapanese carrier airplanes attack Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in a daring early morning raid, destroying much of the U.S. Pacific fleet, including the battleship Arizona. Japan declares War on the United States and Great Britain later that afternoon. (WW 2)
²1963
ⁿThe widow of assassinated President John F. Kennedy and her children vacate the White House. New President Lyndon Johnson moves in.
■1208
²1776
ⁿGeneral George Washington crosses the frozen Delaware River. (Revolutionary War)
²1863
ⁿPresident Lincoln announces his plan for southern "Reconstruction" to follow the end of the Civil War. His plan is generous and many hard-line northerners demand a more punishing regimen.
²1903
ⁿIn the race to build and fly the first heavier than air flying machine, Professor Samuel Langley watches his aircraft sink into the Potomac River after failing to gain altitude.
²1941
ⁿPresident Roosevelt addresses the nation on the attack of Pearl Harbor. The U.S. Congress approves the President's request for a Declaration of War with Japan. Roosevelt utters the words: "...A date which will live in infamy..."
²1980
ⁿEx-Beatle John Lennon is murdered outside the Dakota Apartment building in New York City.
²1987
ⁿThe first treaty reducing nuclear arsenals is signed by President Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev.
■1209
²1907
ⁿChristmas Seals are placed on sale for the first time. Proceeds are consigned to the fight against tuberculosis.
²1958
ⁿThe John Birch Society is founded.
²1969
ⁿCharles Manson is indicted in the murders of actress Sharon Tate and five others.
■1210
²1817
ⁿMississippi is admitted to the union as the 20th state.
²1898
ⁿSpain signs the Treaty of Paris of 1898, ending the Spanish-American War. The U.S. receives title to Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippine Islands and Cuba.
²1901
ⁿThe first Nobel Prizes are awarded, on the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of TNT.
²1964
ⁿDr. Martin Luther King is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent Civil Rights work.
■1211
²1816
ⁿIndiana is admitted to the union as the 19th state.
²1907
ⁿPresident Theodore Roosevelt announces that he will not run for President in 1908.
²1936
ⁿKing Edward VIII abdicates the British throne to marry an American divorcee. His brother takes the throne as King George VI.
²1941
ⁿGermany and Italy declare War on the United States. Within hours the U.S. Congress returns the favor, thus bringing America into the European conflict. (WW 2)
²1946
ⁿJohn D. Rockefeller, Jr., offers prime New York real estate as a site for the United Nations.
■1212
²1937
ⁿJapanese airplanes, at war with China, sink an American Gunboat in the Yangtze River, killing 2. (WW 2)
²1953
ⁿMajor Charles "Chuck" Yeager pilots the Bell X-1A, recording a new airspeed record of over twice the speed of sound.
²1955
ⁿThe Ford Foundation donates almost 500 million dollars to various medical charities, colleges and medical schools.
■1213
²1862
ⁿThe Battle of Fredericksburg is won by Confederate troops. General Ambrose Burnside is severely criticized for the extreme number of casualties (11,000 men) in the battle. (Civil War)
²1918
ⁿAmerican soldiers cross the Rhine River in Germany, pursuing retreating German troops. (WW 1)
■1214
²1799
ⁿGeorge Washington dies at his Mount Vernon home.
²1819
ⁿAlabama is admitted to the union as the 22nd state.
■1215
²1791
ⁿThe Bill of Rights, as the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution came to be called, goes into effect as Virginia becomes the key state to ratify them.
²1890
ⁿSitting Bull is killed by Federal troops in South Dakota.
■1216
²1773
ⁿThe Boston Tea Party is staged to protest exhorbitant tea taxes.
²1944
ⁿGerman forces, after months of retreat, stage the last major German offensive of World War II. This offensive, now known as the Battle of the Bulge, almost succeeds in breaking allied lines.
²1960
ⁿTwo commercial airliners collide in fog over New York harbor, killing 131 people.
■1217
²1903
ⁿAt Kill Devil Hill, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright make the first self-powered, heavier-than-air flight. The flight lasts 12 seconds and covers a total distance of 120 feet (less than the wingspan of a 747 jumbo jet).
²1936
ⁿEdgar Bergen and "Charlie McCarthy" (the world's most famous ventriloquist and dummy) make their first radio appearance.
■1218
²1787
ⁿNew Jersey ratifies the new U.S. Constitution.
²1865
ⁿThe Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution is adopted, making slavery a crime.
²1915
ⁿPresident Woodrow Wilson, a widower, weds Mrs. Edith Bolling Galt in Washington D.C.
²1936
ⁿThe San Francisco Zoo receives a giant panda from China, the first giant panda imported to the United States.
²1959
√The birth of Sean Golden, Product Manager of On Disk Monthly.
■1219
²1732
ⁿBenjamin Franklin begins to publish "Poor Richard's Almanac."
²1776
ⁿThomas Paine begins to publish "The American Crisis" a series of articles designed to boost morale of American Revolutionaries.
²1950
ⁿGeneral Dwight D. Eisenhower is appointed Commander in Chief of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces.
■1220
²1790
ⁿThe first cotton mill is established in the U.S. by Samuel Slater.
²1803
ⁿThe flag of France is removed from New Orleans and replaced by the flag of the United States, symbolizing the completion of the Louisiana Purchase. (Civil War)
²1860
ⁿThe state of South Carolina votes to secede from the U.S., thereby forcing Lincoln's hand and precipitating the outbreak of the Civil War.
²1864
ⁿGeneral Sherman's advance through Georgia ends as he occupies Savannah, Georgia. (Civil War)
■1221
²1620
ⁿThe Pilgrims of the Mayflower set foot on the North American continent for the first time.
²1937
ⁿSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs reaches the silver screen for the first time.
²1944
ⁿHorse racing is banned in the U.S. during World War II. The ban lasts until the end of hostilities.
■1222
²1775
ⁿThe Continental Congress authorizes the creation of a revolutionary Navy consisting of seven ships.
²1963
ⁿA month of mourning for the death of John F. Kennedy ends with a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
■1223
²1783
ⁿGeneral George Washington resigns his commission.
²1928
ⁿThe National Broadcasting Company is established as a coast-to-coast radio network.
²1962
ⁿThe first prisoners from the failed "Bay of Pigs" invasion of Cuba are returned to the U.S.
■1224
²1814
ⁿThe War of 1812 is ended with a treaty signed in Belgium. The news did not reach New Orleans until after the Battle of New Orleans.
²1865
ⁿSix embittered Confederate veterans of the Civil War meet in secret and orgranize the "secret fraternal society" known as the Ku Klux Klan.
²1949
ⁿThe song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" invades the nation and instantly becomes a Christmas standard.
■1225
²1776
ⁿGeorge Washington crosses the Delaware in a dramatic surprise raid on slumbering Hessians encamped in Trenton, New Jersey. The battle is a resounding success. (Revolutionary War)
²1868
ⁿPresident Andrew Johnson offers a Christmas forgiveness message to the nation by granting a pardon and amnesty to all Confederate Civil War veterans and those who helped the Rebel cause.
■1226
²1776
ⁿGeorge Washington, having crossed the Delaware the night before, surprises Hessian troops in the Battle of Trenton, one of the most dramatic Revolutionary War victories for General Washington.
²1947
ⁿA blizzard inundates New York City, dropping over 25 inches of snow.
■1227
²1900
ⁿIn the opening rounds of her battle against the "demon rum" Carrie Nation raids a saloon in Wichita, Kansas, smashing bottles and barrels of alcoholic beverages.
²1927
ⁿ"Showboat," opens at the Ziegfeld Theatre and immediately becomes a smash hit.
■1228
²1832
ⁿVice President John C. Calhoun resigns his office in protest over President Andrew Jackson's policies.
²1846
ⁿIowa is admitted to the Union as the 29th state.
²1856
√Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. President, is born in Staunton, Virginia.
²1869
ⁿWilliam Semple patents chewing gum.
²1945
ⁿThe "Pledge of Allegience" to the flag of the United States is officially recognized by Congress.
■1229
²1777
ⁿGeorge Washington's army, encamped and starving at Valley Forge, are on the verge of mutiny and revolt.
²1808
√Andrew Johnson, the 17th U.S. President, is born in Raleigh, North Carolina.
²1845
ⁿTexas is admitted to the Union as the 28th state.
²1851
ⁿThe first YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) is established in Boston.
²1940
ⁿPresident Franklin Roosevelt coins the phrase "arsenal of democracy" in a Fireside Chat speech to the nation.
²1962
ⁿIn Miami President John F. Kennedy greets the released prisoners of the failed "Bay of Pigs" invasion.
■1230
²1853
ⁿJames Gadsen negotiates the purchase of 45,000 square miles of disputed land from Mexico for $10,000,000.00.
²1903
ⁿFire breaks out in a Chicago theater, and in the stampede to escape 588 men, women and children are killed.
■1231
²1879
ⁿThomas Edison demostrates his incandescent lamp in public for the first time at Menlo Park, New Jersey.
²1946
ⁿPresident Harry S Truman officially announces that World War II has ended.
