Today in History

Today in History

1789 The U.S. House of Representatives holds its first meeting.

1832 Some 300 American troops of the 6th Infantry leave Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to confront the Sauk Indians in what would become known as the Black Hawk War.

1864 In the Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana, Federals are routed by Confederate Gen. Richard Taylor.

1865 General Robert E. Lee‘s retreat is cut off near Appomattox Court House.

1898 British General Horatio Kitchener defeats the Khalifa, leader of the dervishes in Sudan, at the Battle of Atbara.

1913 The 17th Amendment is ratified, requiring direct election of senators.

1935 The Works Progress Administration (WPA) is approved by Congress.

1939 Italy invades Albania.

1942 The Soviets open a rail link to the besieged city of Leningrad.

1952 President Truman orders the seizure of U.S. steel mills to prevent a strike.

1962 Bay of Pigs invaders get thirty years imprisonment in Cuba.

1974 Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.

1975 Frank Robinson of the Cleveland Indians becomes first black manager of a major league baseball team.

Born

563 BC Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism.

1605 Philip IV, king of Spain and Portugal (1621-

65).

1726 Lewis Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

1893 Mary Pickford (Gladys Smith), early film actress.

1893 Edgar “Yip” Harburg, lyricist (“Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?,” “Over the Rainbow”).

1920 Carmen McRae, jazz vocalist and pianist.

1921 Betty Bloomer Ford, first lady to President Gerald Ford.

1955 Barbara Kingsolver, novelist (The Bean Trees, Animal Dreams).

History