Today in 1903, Orville Wright made the first attempt at powered flight. The engine stalled during takeoff and the plane was damaged in the attempt. Then, three days later – after repairs were made – the modern aviation age was born when the plane stayed aloft for 12-seconds and flew 102-feet.
Today in 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole. He reached the destination 35 days ahead of Captain Robert F. Scott.
Today in 1962, the U.S. space probe Mariner II approached Venus. It transmitted information about the planet's atmosphere and surface temperature. The reveal? Venus has cool clouds and an extremely hot surface.
Today in 1985, Wilma Mankiller became the first woman to lead a major American Indian tribe as she formally took office as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. She held the post until 1995, when ill health forced her to step down.
Today in 1986, the experimental aircraft, Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, took off from California on the first non-stop, non-refueled flight around the world. The trip took nine days to complete.
Today in 1987, Chrysler plead no contest to federal charges of selling several thousand vehicles as new when Chrysler employees had driven the vehicles with the odometer disconnected.
Today in 1993, the United Mine Workers approved a five-year contract that ended a strike that had reached seven states and involved some of the nation's biggest coal operators.
Today in 1995, the presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia Today in 1995, AIDS patient Jeff Getty received the first-ever bone-marrow transplant from a baboon. Living with HIV for 14 years, he’d been given a year to live prior to the procedure. He survived – and lived until 2006.
Today in 1999, Charles M. Schulz announced he was retiring the "Peanuts" comic strip due to health reasons. The last original "Peanuts" comic strip was published on February 13, 2000...the day after his death. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential cartoonists of all time – as cited by cartoonists including Jim Davis, Bill Watterson, and Matt Groening.
Today in 2003, President George W. Bush announced the capture of Saddam Hussein.
Today in 2012, 28 people – including 20 children – were shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Today in 2016, University of Toronto scientists present findings of the world's oldest water – more than 2-billion years old – from a mine in Canada. And yes, someone tasted it.