Today in 1794, Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Navy.
Today in 1866, President Andrew Johnson vetoed the civil rights bill, which later became the 14th amendment. His veto was overturned by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, and the bill became law. Johnson's attitude contributed the growth of the Radical Republican movement, which favored increased intervention in the South and more aid to former slaves, and ultimately to Johnson's impeachment.
Today in 1884, the first long-distance telephone call was made from Boston to New York.
Today in 1899, Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi achieved the first international radio transmission between England and France.
Today in 1915, Typhoid Mary [aka Mary Mallon] was arrested and returned to quarantine on North Brother Island, New York after spending five years evading health authorities and causing several further outbreaks of typhoid.
Today in 1933, about 55,000 people protested against Hitler in New York City.
Today in 1955, NBC's Color City – the first studio constructed specifically for color broadcasting – was dedicated of in Burbank, California.
Today in 1958, the U.S. announced a plan to explore space around the moon.
Today in 1973, Marlon Brando refused his Oscar for “The Godfather,” an act of protest in support of Native Americans who were being treated badly in television and the movies. In fact, Brando skipped the show altogether, and sent a 26-year-old fringe-and deerskin-clad woman named Sacheen Littlefeather in his place. Sacheen was actually actress Maria Cruz, who is part Apache. Following the publicity, she posed for “Playboy” the following October. She also appeared in some B-movies and continued working for causes related to Native American needs. Here is the statement Brando wrote for her.
Today in 1997, Dexter King, son of Martin Luther King Jr., met with James Earl Ray (the man in prison for the assassination of the civil rights leader). Ray denied having anything to do with the shooting, to which King replied, "I believe you."
Today in 1998, the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug, Viagra, saying it helped about two-thirds of impotent men improve their sexual function.
Today in 2000, the Supreme Court decided the federal government could deny food stamps and other welfare benefits to people who live permanently in the United States, but who aren’t citizens.
Today in 2004, NASA launched an unpiloted X-43A jet, which hit Mach 7 (about 5,000 mph) successfully!
Today in 2007, NFL owners voted to make instant replay a permanent officiating tool.
Today in 2014, nine nuclear commanders were fired from the US Air Force after they were caught in a test cheating scandal. A senior official, Colonel Robert Stanley was allowed to resign.
Today in 2014, the UN General Assembly condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Today in 2020, the $2.2-trillion stimulus package, largest in US history, was signed into law by President Donald Trump saying "I never signed anything with a 'T' on it."