Today in 1851, the first alcohol prohibition law was enacted in the United States – the lucky winners? The residents of Maine. Even better, on this date in 1855, the Portland Rum Riot occurred in Portland, Maine.
Today in 1863, under the command of Union Colonel James Montgomery, Harriet Tubman lead Union guerrillas on the Combahee River Raid, freeing slaves along the Combahee River. The Union ships transported more than 750 slaves freed by the raid, many of whom joined the Union Army.
Today in 1886, President Grover Cleveland became the first to marry during a presidential term as he wed Frances Folsom. Becoming First Lady at age 21, she remains the youngest wife of a sitting president.
Today in 1925, New York Yankee Lou Gehrig began his 2,130 consecutive game streak.
Today in 1933, FDR authorized the first swimming pool built inside the White House
Today in 1935, George Herman "Babe" Ruth announced his retirement from baseball.
Today in 1941, baseball's "Iron Horse," Lou Gehrig, died in New York of the degenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It’s more commonly known now as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”
Today in 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place at Westminster Abbey. She still reigns today.
Today in 1966, the Surveyor 1 made the first soft landing on the moon and transmitted almost 10,000 pictures back to the U.S.
Today in 1986, CSPAN2 began televising proceedings of the U.S. Senate on television as a six-week experiment of televised sessions.
Today in 1997, Timothy McVeigh was convicted of murder and conspiracy in the Oklahoma City bombing.
Today in 1998, voters in California passed Proposition 227. The act abolished the state's 30-year-old bilingual education program by requiring that all children be taught in English.
Today in 2004, Ken Jennings began his unprecedented 74-game winning streak on “Jeopardy!”
Today in 2015, Congress passed new legislation to reform National Security Agency procedures, restricting gathering of phone records. It’s still pretty rampant.
Today in 2017, "Wonder Woman,” which was directed by Patty Jenkins, was released. And by the time Sunday rolled around, the opening weekend had earned over $100-million in North America. It was a domestic record for a female director.