Today in 1787, the US Constitution was signed by delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
Today in 1789, English astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered Mimas, satellite of Saturn.
Today in 1835, Charles Darwins landed on Chatham in Galapagos archipelago.
Today in 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in Maryland with two of her brothers.
Today in 1908, Orville Wright made his first, one-hour airplane flight in a demonstrationat Fort Myer, Virginia.
Today in 1911, the first transcontinental airplane flight, from New York City to Pasadena, California, began on this day. It only took weeks.
Today in 1931, RCA Records introduced the 33-1/3 rpm LP.
Today in 1952, "I am an American Day" and "Constitution Day" were renamed "Citizenship Day." This day is now referred to as both Constitution Day AND Citizenship Day.
Today in 1953, doctors performed the first successful operation to separate “Siamese” – now referred to as conjoined twins. Carolyn and Catherine Mouton were born in Lafayette, Louisiana…and went on to live full lives.
Today in 1955, James Dean filmed a TV commercial for the National Highway Safety Committee urging viewers to "drive safely." Ironically, he died weeks later in a car accident.
Today in 1962, US space officials announced the selection of nine new astronauts, including Neil Armstrong, who later became the first man on the moon.
Today in 1983, Vanessa Williams, aka "Miss New York," became the first African-American to be crowned "Miss America." She resigned on July 23rd, 1984, over a controversy surrounding the publication of explicit photos in “Penthouse” magazine that she had never approved of. The organization apologized officially in 2015.
Today in 1983, slugger Carl “Yaz” Yastrzemski, of the Boston Red Sox, broke Hank Aaron's major-league record for games played with his 3,299th game.
Today in 1984, oil heir Gordon P. Getty, with a fortune of $4.1-billion dollars, was named the richest person in the US. There were a dozen billionaires in the country at that time. Just recently, Amazon honcho Jeff Bezos became not just the richest person in the country…or even the world. As of January 2018, he is the richest person IN HISTORY. There are now 1,542 billionaires in the world – with 560 of them the US — the most of any country.
Today in 1986, William H. Rehnquist was confirmed as the nation's 16th Chief Justice by a 65-33 vote.
Today in 1988, the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics took place in Seoul, South Korea. The bummer footnote? When a bunch of doves were released…a number of them flew toward the Olympic cauldron…and were promptly fried to a crisp.
Today in 1997, President Clinton rejected a ban on land mines, the cause that the late Princess Diana had campaigned for, even though the ban was endorsed by 89 countries.
Today in 2001, Louis Cardinals announcer Jack Buck stirred emotions by reading a patriotic-themed poem during the pregame ceremonies on baseball's first night back after the September 11th terrorist attacks. His moment was made even more inspiring by the fact that he was currently fighting lung cancer and Parkinson's disease.
Today in 2001, major trading markets in the United States, including the New York Stock Exchange and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), reopened for the first time since September 11th.
Today in 2004, Barry Bonds hit his 700th career home run off of San Diego Padre Jake Peavy in the third inning of the Giants’ 4-1 win.
Today in 2008, the IAU (International Astronomical Union) named another dwarf planet, Haumea.
Today in 2012 Swedish forensic scientists found no conclusive evidence of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange's DNA in a torn condom.
Today in 2016, a pressure cooker bomb exploded in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, injuring 29. A second device was found nearby – and was diffused before it could go off. Fast forward 49 hours later…and Ahmad Rahami was arrest for that, as well as another explosion that had taken place that morning in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. Rahami has since been convicted and sentenced to life in prison.