Today in 1832, the first streetcar – a horse-drawn vehicle called the "John Mason" –first went into operation in New York City. The vehicle had room for 30 people in three compartments. The new service traveled Fourth Avenue between Prince and Fourteenth Streets.
Today in 1889, inspired by Jules Verne, "New York World" newspaper reporter Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Cochrane) set out to travel around the world in less than 80 days. She succeeded: making the trip in 72 days.
Today in 1968,Yale University announced it was going co-ed.
Today in 1974, the first extraterrestrial message was sent from Earth into space.
Today in 1986, President Ronald Reagan publicly acknowledged that the US had sent "defensive weapons and spare parts" to Iran. He denied that the shipments are payment in a secret deal to free American hostages.
Today in 1990, Simon and Schuster announced it had dropped plans to publish the controversial Bret Easton Ellis novel, "American Psycho." The book has since been made into a movie starring Christian Bale as the psychopathic yuppie that the story revolved around.
Today in 1999, the United Nations imposed sanctions on Afghanistan for refusing to hand over suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden (as decided a month before).
Today in 2012,CFBDSIR 2149-0403 – the closest rogue planet to earth (at 100 light-years away) –was discovered.
Today in 2013, Boston gangster Whitey Bulger was sentenced to two consecutive life terms, plus five years for his crimes. Following a prison transfer in October 2018,he was found murdered– just 24 hours after his arrival at the new facility.
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