This Day in History

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

A 24-year-old made Academy Awards history on this day in 1992. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Twain published his most controversial novel in the United States on this day in 1885. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Volkswagen's iconic Beetle made history on this day in 1972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America's first 911 call was placed on this day in 1968. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A president-elect narrowly escaped an assassination on this day in 1933. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

A philosopher arrived for his trial on this day in 1633. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A U.S. president was acquitted on this day in 1999. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Revered activist Nelson Mandela was released from prison on this day in 1990. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A musical spaceman made his debut on this day in 1972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bernard Harris made NASA history on this day in 1995. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Construction began on a Los Angeles tourist attraction on this day in 1960. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baltimore was devastated by fire on this day in 1904. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freed people returned to Africa on this day in 1820. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justice was finally served in a decades-old case on this day in 1994. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three world leaders met on this day in 1945. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tragedy on this day in 1959 inspired an iconic song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A U.S. tradition was born on this day in 1887. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A book containing 59 million words was first published on this day in 1884. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A significant wartime decision was made on this day in 1944. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A beloved radio show made its debut in 1933. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous poem was published on this day in 1845. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tragic disaster occurred in the skies over Florida on this day in 1986. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today commemorates the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oprah got confrontational on this day in 2006. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A murderer and his cult were found guilty on this day in 1971. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A predator was brought to justice on this day in 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A significant first for women in medicine took place on this day in 1849. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Apple ad had people talking on this day in 1984. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two planes that flew over the sound barrier took flight on this day in 1976. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FDR began his fourth term on this day in 1945. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BlackBerry released its first device on this day in 1999. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A household name scored his first No. 1 hit on this day in 1975. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Divorce was finally legalized in Ireland on this day in 1997. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first modern novel was published on this day in 1605. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A key civil rights figure was born on this day in 1929. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The American Revolution ended on this day in 1784. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Knights Templar received special recognition on this day in 1129. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Henry Ford set a record on this day in 1904. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FDR became the first president to use this mode of transportation on this day in 1943. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world gathered in London on this day in 1946. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harvey Milk made LGBTQ+ history on this day in 1978. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we celebrate the birthdays of three unforgettable pop culture icons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous basketball team made its debut on this day in 1927. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An ice rink attack became a media sensation on this day in 1994. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A timeless Broadway play debuted on this day in 1953. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Johnson laid out ambitious plans for the nation on this day in 1965. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Archaeologists discovered a mysterious sarcophagus on this day in 1924. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An explosion shook West Virginia on this day in 2006. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world’s first science fiction novel was published on this day in 1818. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A baseball star’s life was cut short on this day in 1972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new nation was born on this day in 1922. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A massacre devastated the Lakota on this day in 1890. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A devastating natural disaster struck southern Italy on this day in 1908. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A beloved story hit the stage on this day in 1904. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first Kwanzaa was celebrated on this day in 1966. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Christmas classic premiered on this day in 1941. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The War of 1812 ended on this day in 1814. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George Washington bid farewell on this day in 1783. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A great artistic achievement had an unpromising start on this day in 1808. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A doctor was found guilty of murder on this day in 1954. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Berlin Wall was briefly opened on this day in 1963. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A U.S. president was impeached on this day in 1998. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Mayflower arrived at Plymouth Rock on this day in 1620. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A major environmental law was signed on this day in 1963. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Massachusetts colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor on this day in 1773. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A New York City landmark opened on this day in 1925. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Roald Amundsen achieved a historic feat on this day in 1911. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A celebrated actor is celebrating his 100th birthday today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first trans-Atlantic radio transmission was sent on this day in 1901. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank Sinatra’s nightmare ended on this day in 1963. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A married couple received a Nobel Prize on this day in 1903. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A beloved holiday classic premiered on this day in 1965. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A beloved musician was killed by an obsessive fan on this day in 1980. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A surprise attack on Pearl Harbor killed 2,400 Americans on this day in 1941. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slavery was finally abolished in the United States on this day in 1865. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marks the 153rd anniversary of a puzzling maritime mystery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A dapper mob boss was murdered on this day in 1928. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Broadway show shocked audiences on its opening night on this day in 1947. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A midwife saved George Washington on this day in 1777. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Alabama seamstress refused to give up her seat on this day in 1955. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Paris nightlife venue began turning heads on this day in 1886. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A popular video game was released on this day in 1972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A country institution was born on this day in 1925. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Native American dancer made history on this day in 1949. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first manuscript of a beloved children’s book was gifted on this day in 1864. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tragic assassination occurred on this day in 1960. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JFK’s assassin was shot and killed on this day in 1963. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Life” magazine introduced a new perspective on the world on this day in 1936. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marks the 62nd anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Titanic’s sister ship met a similar fate on this day in 1916. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The way we drive was improved on this day in 1923. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Lincoln delivered one of history’s most famous speeches on this day in 1863. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Time zones made travel easier on this day in 1883. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBC executives learned a valuable lesson on this day in 1968. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Researchers attempted to message extraterrestrials on this day in 1974. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first stock ticker was unveiled on this day in 1867. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six-year-old Ruby Bridges made history on this day in 1960. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A gruesome murder took place on Long Island on this day in 1974. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ellis Island closed its doors on this day in 1954. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World War I finally came to an end on this day in 1918. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A standard car feature was patented on this day in 1903. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A popular country singer had his assets seized on this day in 1990. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Theodore Roosevelt achieved a presidential first on this day in 1906. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A presidential election resulted in a tie on this day in 2000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Honest Abe was elected to the nation’s highest office on this day in 1860. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Susan B. Anthony tried to prove the government wrong on this day in 1872. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jane Goodall made a remarkable discovery on this day in 1960. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Chicago newspaper made a history-making mistake on this day in 1948. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Spruce Goose took flight on this day in 1947. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two men tried to assassinate the president of the United States on this day in 1950. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martin Luther made his revolutionary ideas public on this day in 1517. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A radio broadcast had listeners shaking in their boots on this day in 1938. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A precursor to email was born on this day in 1969. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A St. Louis landmark was completed on this day in 1965. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three people who made a significant impact on culture were born on this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An infamous shootout took place on this day in 1881. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tragedy struck the Greek monarchy on this day in 1920. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new method of communication was established on this day in 1861. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A flying elephant enamored audiences on this day in 1941. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A first lady’s pet project became reality on this day in 1965. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A New York City institution opened on this day in 1959. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A “graveyard smash" hit No. 1 on this day in 1962. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Black Monday caused major turmoil in the stock markets in 1987. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Beatle was arrested on this day in 1968. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A notorious gangster finally faced justice on this day in 1931. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A French queen was beheaded on this day in 1793. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A controversial justice was appointed to the Supreme Court on this day in 1991. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” debuted on this day in 1892. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Construction started on a famous American building on this day in 1792. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christopher Columbus sparked a new era of European exploration on this day in 1492. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Boss scored his first Top 40 hit on this day in 1975. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A U.S. border was established on this day in 1767. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Chevy Malibu met an otherworldly fate on this day in 1992. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A kitchen staple was patented on this day in 1945. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. went to war in Afghanistan on this day in 2001. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The president of Egypt was assassinated on this day in 1981. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first movie with a new rating opened on this day in 1990. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A famous 12-year-long sculpture project started on this day in 1927. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices