Today in 1863, the territory of Arizona was organized. Arizona was later admitted as a state in 1912.
Today in 1938, the first nylon bristle toothbrush went on sale. It was the first time that nylon yarn had been used commercially.
Today in 1956, the city of Cleveland invoked a 1931 law, which banned minors from dancing in public without adult supervision.
Today in 1967, Philadelphia’s Wilt Chamberlain shot 18-for-18 from the field against the Baltimore Bullets, an NBA record for field goals in a game without a miss.
Today in 1981, Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Britain's Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.
Today in 1981, Jean Harris was found guilty of the fatal shooting of the “Scarsdale Diet” doctor, Herman Tarnover. She had claimed the shooting was an accident (that she had taken a gun intending to only confront Tarnover about his cheating and then kill herself – maintaining that the gun went off during a struggle for the weapon). Harris suffered two heart attacks 12-years into her sentence of 15-years to life, and was granted clemency by then-Gov. Mario Cuomo when she underwent heart bypass surgery in December 1992 and was released on parole three weeks later.
Today in 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a $200,000 award to Rev. Jerry Falwell that had been won against “Hustler” magazine. The ruling expanded legal protections for parody and satire.
Today in 1992, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled two versions of its proposed Elvis stamp for fans to vote on. The younger Elvis design won and was issued on January 8th, 1993.
Today in 1998, Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in London.
Today in 2007, the Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution expressing "profound regret" for the state's role in slavery.
Today in 2013, Jimmie Johnson won his second Daytona 500. Also of note, Danica Patrick was the first female to start from pole position…and also had the best-ever finish by a woman at Daytona (8th place).
Today in 2014, the oldest known fragment from the earth's crust - a 4.4-billion-year-old crystal – was discovered.