Today in 1825, the United States congress approved what is present-day Oklahoma as an Indian Territory, creating a setup for what became the “Trail of Tears.”
Today in 1880, Thomas Edison patented the lamp.
Today in 1926, the first public demonstration of the television occurred in London thanks to John Logie Baird. The chosen place was Selfridges in Oxford Street, London. Shoppers saw slightly blurred but recognizable images of letters.
Today in 1943, the United States bombed Germany for the first time.
Today in 1948, the first tape recorder was sold.
Today in 1967, a treaty banning the military use of nuclear weapons in space was signed.
Today in 1967, three astronauts were killed in a fire aboard Apollo 1. The Apollo 1 tragedy and its aftermath is the subject of episode two of the 1998 HBO miniseries, “From the Earth to the Moon,” starring Mark Rolston as Gus Grissom, Chris Isaak as Ed White and Ben Marley as Roger Chaffee.
Today in 1970, the movie rating system was modified. The "PG" rating, suggesting parental guidance, replaced the old "M" rating.
Today in 1984, Michael Jackson was burned during filming for Pepsi commercial. You can see the footage HERE.
Today in 1992, Mike Tyson went on trial for the rape of Desiree Washington. He was convicted in March.
Today in 1998, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared on NBC's "Today" show. She charged that the allegations against her husband were the work of a "vast right-wing conspiracy." On that same day, Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr called Hillary’s claim "nonsense."
Today in 2004,Martha Stewart’s trial on charges of obstruction of justice, making false statements and securities fraud got underway.
Today in 2017, President Trump issued an executive order banning travel to the U.S. for seven mostly Muslim countries and suspending admission for refugees.