Today in 1854, the first great disaster involving an Atlantic Ocean liner occurred when the steamship, SS Arctic collided with the SS Vesta. The Arctic sank with 400 people aboard 50 miles off the coast of Newfoundland. In the end, around 80 survived – and they were primarily the crew. All the women and children on board perished.
Today in 1896, the first book of matches was patented.
Today in 1937, the world's first Santa Claus training school opened with a class of six students in Albany, New York.
Today in 1962, Rachel Carson published “Silent Spring” about the deleterious impacts of pesticide use on the environment in the US.
Today in 1964, the Warren Commission publicly announced its conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President John Kennedy. The 888-page report had been presented to President Johnson three days earlier.
Today in 1988, three days after placing first in the men's 100-meter dash at the Seoul Summer Olympics, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson left for home in disgrace. He had been stripped of his Gold medal by officials who said he'd used anabolic steroids.
Today in 1995, the US government unveiled its redesigned $100-bill, featuring a larger, off-center portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
Today in 1996, Baltimore Oriole Roberto Alomar spit in face of umpire John Hirschbeck. Alomar, who claimed Hirschbeck called him a derogatory name, was suspended five games – and the umps threatened to strike over what was seen as a paltry suspension. Hirschbeck denied Alomar’s claim, saying that if he used any vulgar language it was after he was spit on, not before. At the time, Oriole Davey Johnson never divulged what he heard at home plate, only saying, ''I think they're both guilty." As ugly as that situation was, it had a happy ending: Alomar and Hirschbeck later patched up their differences and actually became friends.
Today in 1996, the Julie N. tanker skip crashed into the Million Dollar Bridge in Portland, Maine spilling 180,000 gallons of oil into Portland Harbor.
Today in 1999, Tiger Stadium closed in grand fashion after 87 years as the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals, 8-to-2.
Today in 2003, the Smart 1 satellite – Europe’s first science spacecraft designed to orbit the moon – was launched.
Today in 2008, Greg Maddux won what would be the final start of his 23-year career (#355). As a Los Angeles Dodger, he announced his retirement the following December and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
Today in 2012, the Mars Curiosity rover discovered evidence of a once fast-moving stream on the planet surface.
Today in 2019, Democrats issued their first subpoena to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in an impeachment inquiry.
Today in 2020, details of President Donald Trump's tax returns released by the “New York Times” show he paid $750 in income tax (2016 & 2017) revealing "chronic losses and years of tax avoidance.”
Today in 2021, R&B artist Kelly was convicted on nine counts of racketeering and sex trafficking after a six-week trial in New York.