1761—1st life insurance policy in North America issued in Philadelphia.1803—1st public library opens (Connecticut)
1807—Former VP Aaron Burr is tried for treason in Richmond, Va (acquitted)
1807—Townsend Speakman 1st sells fruit-flavored carbonated drinks (Philadelphia)
1842—Farmers Lester Howe and Henry Wetsel discover Howe Caverns in New York state when they stumble upon a large gaping hole in the ground.
1849—Abraham Lincoln receives a patent (only US president to do so) for a device to lift a boat over shoals and obstructions.
1856—Violence in the US Senate, SC rep Brooks used a can on Mass Sen. Sumner.
1868—Great Train Robbery-7 men (Zeno Brother) make off with $98,000 in cash.
1892—Dr. Washington Sheffield invents toothpaste tube.
1900—Associated Press organizes in NYC as non-profit news cooperative.
1906—Wright Brothers patent an aeroplane.
1926—“Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue” by Gene Austin hits #1.
1931—Canned rattlesnake meat 1st goes on sale in Florida.
1943—1st jet fighter is tested.
1956—“Bob Hope Show” last airs on NBC-TV.
1961—“Mother-In-Law” by Ernie K-Doe hits #1.
1964—LBJ presents “Great Society”
1972—US President Nixon begins visit to Moscow.
1973—President Nixon confesses his role in Watergate cover-up.
1981—Soyuz 40 returns to Earth.
1990—Microsoft releases Windows 3.0.
1998—Lewinsky scandal: a federal judge rules that United States Secret Service agents can be compelled to testify before a grand jury concerning the scandal, involving President Bill Clinton.
2011—An EF5 Tornado strikes the US city of Joplin, Missouri killing at least 158 people, the single deadliest US tornado since modern record keeping began in 1950.
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