Today in 1861, Arizona Territory voted to leave the Union during the Civil War.
Today in 1861, Edward Clark became Governor of Texas, replacing Sam Houston, who was evicted from the office for refusing to take an oath of loyalty to the Confederacy (US Civil War).
Today in 1870, Congressman Hiram R. Revels made the first official speech by an African American in the Senate.
Today in 1935, Adolf Hitler ordered the rearmament of Germany.
Today in 1948, Billie Holiday was released from prison early because of good behavior. She had been incarcerated a year earlier on narcotics possession charges. Just 11 days after that? She performed in front of a sold-out crowd at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall.
Today in 1994, Tonya Harding avoided jail by pleading guilty to a felony charge associated with the Nancy Kerrigan attack.
Today in 1995, the Mississippi House of Representatives formally abolished slavery and ratified 13th Amendment. The problem (besides being about 150 years late)? They never advised the U.S. archivist of its belated decision. Therefore, the decision wasn’t officially official until February 2013.
Today in 1998, Pope John Paul II asked God for forgiveness for the inactivity and silence of some Roman Catholics during the Holocaust.
Today in 2005, Israel handed Jericho over to Palestinian control.
Today in 2021, a declassified US intelligence report said Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized efforts to aid re-election of Donald Trump.