This Day in History

An influential rock ‘n’ roller would have turned 90 today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two and a half billion people tuned in to watch Princess Diana's funeral on this day in 1997. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AIDS activists made quite a statement on this day in 1991. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The modern roll-film camera was patented on this day in 1888. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Stars and Stripes is said to have flown in battle for the first time on this day in 1777. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ATM debuted in America on this day in 1969. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first Japanese player made his MLB debut on this day in 1964. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thomas Edison received a patent for an early movie camera on this day in 1897. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guion S. Bluford became the first African American to travel into space on this day in 1983. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A legendary actress died on her birthday on this day in 1982. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the March on Washington on this day in 1963. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A powerful volcano erupted on this day in 1883. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The so-called “preppy murder” stunned New York City on this day in 1986. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first known person to swim the English Channel ended the journey on this day in 1875. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Lennon’s killer was sentenced on this day in 1981. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Rose was booted from baseball on this day in 1989. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first balloon bombs were launched on this day in 1849. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A historic series of debates began on this day in 1858. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A blazingly fast telegram was sent on this day in 1911. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Living animals were launched into space on this day in 1960. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tennessee ratified the 19th Amendment on this day in 1920. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An outlaw killed his first victim on this day in 1877. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A newsstand staple debuted on this day in 1954. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of Shakespeare’s muses was killed on this day in 1057. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A cult movie classic premiered on this day in 1975. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Henry Ford introduced a unique car on this day in 1941. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Armistice ended a war on this day in 1898. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of America’s most beloved comedians died on this day in 2014. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The country’s first PG-13 movie hit theaters on this day in 1984. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. dropped a second atomic bomb on this day in 1945. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

General Robert E. Lee offered his resignation on this day in 1863. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Refugee Relief Act on this day in 1953. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel on this day in 1926. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transatlantic communication improved on this day in 1858. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A branch of the U.S. armed forces was created on this day in 1790. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Olympic gymnast scored not one, but two perfect 10s on this day in 1984. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iraq invaded Kuwait on this day in 1990. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world’s first weather forecast was published on this day in 1861. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An iconic Hollywood star signed her first movie contract on this day in 1946. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Olympic hero took home gold on this day in 1976. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Confederate spy was captured on this day in 1862. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 14th Amendment was adopted on this day in 1868. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first commercial jet took flight on this day in 1949. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Bush signed an important bill into law on this day in 1990. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Henry Ford wrote a fan letter to this world leader on this day in 1941. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A summertime sentiment was first celebrated on this day in 1933. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Detroit Riots started on this day in 1967. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A POW returned home on this day in 2003. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Seven words changed the history of entertainment on this day in 1972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Truman reinstated the draft on this day in 1948. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Great Fire of Rome broke out on this day in A.D. 64. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Volume One of Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” was published on this day in 1925. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British royal family adopted a new surname on this day in 1917. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A popular American novel was published on this day in 1951. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mariner 4 captured the first close-up images of this planet on this day in 1965. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A controversial parenting book was published on this day in 1946. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A global sports tournament began on this day in 1930. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A royal married his sixth and final wife on this day in 1543. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A baseball legend made his MLB debut on this day in 1914. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This man was sworn in as U.S. president on this day in 1850. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This civil rights anthem was first recorded on this day in 1962. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An American novelist was injured during WWI on this day in 1918. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Female cadets could finally enroll here on this day in 1976. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anne Frank and her family sought refuge on this day in 1942. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A baseball scandal was brought to trial on this day in 1921. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy 250th birthday, America! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A future president took command of the Continental Army on this day in 1775. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A president was shot on this day in 1881. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Movie ratings were changed on this day in 1984. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This iconic car rolled off the assembly line on this day in 1953. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Hollywood couple wed on this day in 1956. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Helen Keller graduated college on this day in 1904. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first recorded Ebola virus epidemic began on this day in 1976. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A pack of gum became the first grocery item scanned with a Universal Product Code on this day in 1974. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Pride flag was born on this day in 1978. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A soccer star was born on this day in 1987. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Something you use daily was patented on this day in 1868. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FDR signed the G.I. Bill on this day in 1944. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ronald Reagan’s shooter met his fate on this day in 1982. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An oath was taken on a tennis court on this day in 1789. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Union soldiers arrived in Texas with the news that slavery had been abolished on this day in 1865. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous golfer won the U.S. Open on this day in 1960. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The inspiration for the Taj Mahal passed away on this day in 1631. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of America’s first roller coasters debuted at Coney Island on this day in 1884. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress passed the Espionage Act on this day in 1917. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first African American cadet graduated from West Point on this day in 1877. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Pentagon Papers were published on this day in 1971. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A civil rights leader was assassinated on this day in 1963. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JFK was awarded a medal on this day in 1944. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An MLB record was set on this day in 1944. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An irascible cartoon character debuted on this day in 1934. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Kennedy was laid to rest on this day in 1968. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gandhi performed his first act of civil disobedience on this day in 1893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The D-Day invasion of Europe began on this day in 1944. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first mention of the AIDS crisis came on this day in 1981. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A decisive World War II battle began on this day in 1942. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A California city banned rock ‘n’ roll on this day in 1956. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All eyes were on the president of FIFA on this day in 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A groundbreaking TV network launched on this day in 1980. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous clock began ticking on this day in 1859. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A seminal book was published on this day in 1967. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A holiday classic was recorded on this day in 1936. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A single hair helped solve a murder on this day in 1936. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous photograph was taken on this day in 1949. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A history-making astronaut was born on this day in 1951. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JFK asked Congress to support a new endeavor on this day in 1961. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Founding Father was elected president of the Continental Congress on this day in 1775. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A scary prediction came true on this day in 1783. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A barrier-breaking politician was born on this day in 1930. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The state became the first to regulate this driving law on this day in 1901. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A boundary-breaking entertainer was born on this day in 1946. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A plane vanished over the Mediterranean Sea on this day in 2016. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Separate but equal” was ruled constitutional on this day in 1896. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A song was declared “unintelligible” on this day in 1965. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first of these awards was presented on this day in 1929. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Several states began rationing gasoline on this day in 1942. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An epic journey began on this day in 1804. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A world leader survived an assassination attempt on this day in 1981. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doing this in NYC could get you a ticket starting on this day in 1896. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bloody 10-day battle began on this day in 1969. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A government official began his long reign on this day in 1924. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An American holiday was established on this day in 1914. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A beloved comedian wowed late-night audiences on this day in 2010. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A German U-boat sank the British ship Lusitania on this day in 1915. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A passenger airship exploded on this day in 1937. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous fragrance debuted on this day in 1921. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A popular pun was introduced on this day in 1994. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A much-debated amendment was clarified on this day in 1954. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A play currently on Broadway won an esteemed prize on this day in 1949. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll said “I do” on this day in 1967. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous clock stopped ticking on this day in 1997. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A verdict sparked civil unrest in Los Angeles on this day in 1992. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A routine flight went awry on this day in 1988. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Americans had to start rationing this kitchen staple on this day in 1942. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous nightclub opened in New York City on this day in 1977. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Truman learned a big secret on this day in 1945. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Easter Rebellion shook Ireland on this day in 1916. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the biggest product flops in history debuted on this day in 1985. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first Earth Day was celebrated on this day in 1970. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A music icon died on this day in 2016. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Jordan set another NBA record on this day in 1986. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The shots heard 'round the world rang out in Massachusetts on this day in 1775. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An earthquake shook San Francisco on this day in 1906. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Kennedy made a serious misjudgment on this day in 1961. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Hollywood legend was born on this day in 1889. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This man broke the MLB color barrier on this day in 1947. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A book we still reference today was published on this day in 1828. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fate of a space mission was compromised on this day in 1970. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A civil rights activist was arrested on this day in 1963. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An emperor abdicated the throne on this day in 1814. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Beatles officially broke up—kinda—on this day in 1970. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A future U.S. president was pulled over on this day in 1866. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Statue of Liberty “disappeared” on this day in 1983. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A historic first was stamped on this day in 1940. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joseph Smith established a new religion on this day in 1830. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An iconic debut horror novel was published on this day in 1974. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An unfortunate U.S. presidential record was set on this day in 1841. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An important call was made on this day in 1973. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mob boss was found guilty on this day in 1992. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do we celebrate April Fools' Day? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Abigail Adams made a passionate plea on this day in 1776. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A popular coffee chain got its start on this day in 1971. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A scientist started measuring climate change on this day in 1958. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three Mile Island became a household name on this day in 1979. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Oval Office received a significant technological upgrade on this day in 1929. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Jefferson received an unusual gift on this day in 1804. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tragic industrial disaster occurred in New York City on this day in 1911. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elvis began his civic duty on this day in 1958. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A popular American slang term made its national debut on this day in 1839. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today was a notable day for sports in the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Carter made a tough decision on this day in 1980. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A major force in American politics began to take shape on this day in 1854. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Viewers could finally watch this award show from their homes starting on this day in 1953. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Irving Berlin scored a big hit on this day in 1911. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The patron saint of Ireland died on this day in 461. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A major investment bank collapsed on this day in 2008. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beware the Ides of March. But why? And what are 'ides?' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JFK’s grave found a new home on this day in 1967. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A czar was assassinated on this day in 1881. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elizabeth Smart was rescued on this day in 2003. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A television staple debuted on this day in 1989. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first words ever transmitted over a telephone were spoken on this day 150 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world's most iconic doll made her debut on this day in 1959. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two boxers faced off in NYC on this day in 1971. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A communications revolution started on this day in 1876. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An espionage trial began on this day in 1951. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Winston Churchill popularized a term that helped define the Cold War on this in 1946. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A beloved Hollywood couple called it quits on this day in 1960. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress overrode a presidential veto for the first time on this day in 1845. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The body of a famous actor was snatched from his grave on this day in 1978. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A milestone for African Americans occurred on this day in 1864. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The head of the Catholic Church made a surprising move on this day in 2013. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three notable cultural figures were born on this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nike patented its first major shoe design on this day in 1974. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress authorized paper money on this day in 1862. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court made a landmark ruling on this day in 1803. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An American anthem was written on this day in 1940. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A sports legend was made in Lake Placid on this day in 1980. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An influential pamphlet was published on this day in 1848. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Navy fighter pilot made history on this day in 1942. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices