Today in 1844, Stuart Perry patented the gasoline engine.
Today in 1861,S. President Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus. The writ used by the attorney of a detained person (detainee) to force the police to bring a detainee before a court so that the legality of his or her detention can be challenged. If the attorney can establish that the detention is “prima facie” illegal, the court may order the police to justify the detention.
Today in 1961, President Kennedy asked the nation to work toward putting a man on the moon by the end of the decade. The first man landed on the moon in 1969.
Today in 1979, 273 people were killed when American Airlines Flight 191 crashed just after takeoff from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.
Today in 1986, an estimated seven-million people participated in "Hands Across America," forming a handholding line across the country. The event was organized to raise money for the hungry and homeless.
Today in 1999, four New York City police officers were indicted on charges of murder for killing Amadou Diallo, an unarmed African immigrant. The officers were acquitted the following February.
Today in 2001, at 32 years old, Erik Weihenmeyer of Golden, Colorado became the first blind climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest. On the same day, 64-year-old Sherman Bull of New Canaan, Connecticut, became the oldest climber to reach the summit.
Today in 2008, a tornado tore through Parkersburg, Iowa – killing nine people.
Today in 2012, SpaceX Dragon became the first commercial spacecraft to dock at the International Space Station.
Today in 2018, Harvey Weinstein turned himself in to New York police to face charges of rape, a criminal sex act, sex abuse, and sexual misconduct.