Today in 1807,Robert Fulton's "North River Steam Boat" (known as the "Clermont") began heading up New York's Hudson River on its successful round-trip to Albany.
Today in 1859, a hot air balloon was used to carry mail for the first time. John Wise left Lafayette, Indiana for New York City with 100 letters. He had to land after only 27 miles.
Today in 1862, the uprising of the Dakota Sioux Indians began in Minnesota. It was crushed.
Today in 1894, John Wadsworth of the National League’s Louisville club set a major league record when he gave up 28 base hits in a single game.
Today in 1897, the Klondike gold rush was set off by George Carmack discovering gold on Rabbit Creek in Alaska.
Today in 1946, George Orwell published "Animal Farm" in the United Kingdom.
Today in 1977, following the death of Elvis Presley, Florists Transworld Delivery (FTD) reported that in one day the number of orders for flowers to be delivered to Graceland had surpassed the number for any other event in the company's history.
Today in 1978, Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo and Larry Newman became the first to land after a successful trans-Atlantic balloon flight. The voyage began in Presque Isle, Maine and ended in Miserey, France.
Today in 1998, President Clinton made it official and admitted to having an improper relationship with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern.
Today in 2012, gay pride events were banned for a century in Moscow.
Today in 2016, Americans sweep in 100m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia Ali & Kristi Castlin. This marked the first time the US had swept medals in an Olympic women's track & field event.
Today in 2017, a terror attack on Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain as a van rammed into crowds killing 13, injuring 130.
Today in 2017, a collision of two neutron stars was witnessed for the first time – the incident was first picked up by US-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (Ligo).