Today in 1678, Native Americans sold the land now known as the Bronx to Jonas Bronck for 400 beads.
Today in 1790, the Columbia returned to Boston Harbor after a three-year voyage. It was the first ship to carry the American flag around the world.
Today in 1842, the U.S. and Canada signed the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which solved a border dispute.
Today in 1859, the escalator – or as he called them, “revolving stairs,” was patented by Nathan Ames.
Today in 1910, Alva J. Fisher received a patent for the electric washing machine. Now, he wasn’t the actual inventor – such machines were discussed and appeared in magazines in the late 1800s, and Oliver Woodrow patented a driving mechanism, but Fisher’s patent was for a self-contained unit.
Today in 1936, Jesse Owens won his fourth gold medal at the Berlin Olympics. He was the first American track & field athlete to win four medals in one Olympics. His achievement was unequaled until the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, when he was matched by American Carl Lewis.
Today in 1944, the Forest Service and Wartime Advertising Council created the"Smokey the Bear" campaign.
Today in 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The bombing came three days after the bombing of Hiroshima. About 74,000 people were killed. Japan surrendered on August 14th.
Today in 1945, the first network television broadcast occurred in Washington, D.C. …announcing the bombing of Nagasaki, Japan.
Today in 1969, Sharon Tate and four other people were found murdered at Tate's residence in Los Angeles. Charles Manson and several members of his cult were later convicted of the crime.
Today in 1974,S. President Richard Nixon formally resigned. Gerald R. Ford took his place and became the 38th president of the U.S.
Today in 1981, Major League Baseball teams resumed play at the conclusion of the first mid-season players’ strike.
Today in 1985, Arthur J. Walker, a retired Navy officer, was found guilty of seven counts of spying for the Soviet Union. He died in prison in 2014.
Today in 2001,S. President Bush announced he would support federal funding for limited medical research on embryonic stem cells.
Today in 2002, Barry Bondshit his 600th career home run.
Today in 2012, Usain Boltbecame the first person to win the 100m and 200m sprint in back to back Olympics.
Today in 2013, President Barack Obama promised to work with Congress on “appropriate reforms” for the domestic surveillance programs that stirred criticism at home and abroad.