Today in 1876, after he spilled some acid, Alexander Graham Bell made the first-ever phone call to his assistant in the next room, saying, “Mr. Watson, come here. I want you.”
Today in 1864, General Ulysses Grant was appointed commander-in-chief of the Union forces.
Today in 1880, the Salvation Army was established in the U.S. (it originated in England, July 1865).
Today in 1924, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a New York state law forbidding late-night work for women.
Today in 1949, American born Nazi wartime broadcaster Mildred E. Gillars (Axis Sally) was convicted of treason in Washington, D.C. She served 12 years in prison.
Today in 1969, in a Memphis, Tennessee, courtroom, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to the 1968 assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison. He later recanted his confession and tried unsuccessfully to gain a new trial. He died in prison of hepatitis C.
Today in 1971, the U.S. Senate approved an amendment to lower the voting age to 18.
Today in 1982, the U.S. banned Libyan oil imports due to their consistent support of terrorism.
Today in 1987, the Vatican condemned surrogate parenting, test-tube and artificial insemination.
Today in 1993, Dr. David Gunn was murdered by an anti-abortion activist outside a Pensacola, Florida abortion clinic.
Today in 1997, the first PalmPilot was released.
Today in 1998, former White House aide, Kathleen Willey, who was allegedly fondled by President Clinton answered questions before a grand jury investigating the White House sex scandal. Willey, spent most of the day testifying behind closed doors.
Today in 2015, the family of Marvin Gaye won a record $7.2-million lawsuit for music copyright infringement against Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and T.I.