Today in 1824, John Quincy Adams was elected by the House of Representatives after Andrew Jackson won the most popular and electoral votes, but failed to receive a majority. This was the first election that a popular mattered – as 18 states chose presidential electors by popular vote in 1824 (six states still left the choice up to their state legislatures). When the final votes were tallied in those 18 states, Jackson polled 152,901 popular votes to Adams’ 114,023. The electoral college returns, however, gave Jackson only 99 votes, 32 fewer than he needed for a majority of the total votes cast. Adams won 84 electoral votes.
Today in 1889, North Dakota became the 39th & South Dakota became the 40th state in the United States.
Today in 1947, Howard Hughes piloted his "Spruce Goose" on its one and only flight.
Today in 1948, President Harry S, Truman was re-elected in a narrow upset over Republican challenger Thomas Dewey. "The Chicago Tribune" caught heat when it printed the famous premature headline "Dewey Wins."
Today in 1959, game show contestant Charles Van Doren admitted that he had been given questions and answers in advance of his appearances on the popular NBC television game show "Twenty One."
Today in 1960, Penguin Books was cleared of obscenity for publishing DH Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover."
Today in 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill establishing the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The bill also established the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission to oversee observance of the holiday – and Coretta Scott King, King's wife, was made a member of this commission for life by President George H. W. Bush in May 1989.
Today in 1993, the US Senate called for full disclosure of Senator Bob Packwood's diaries in a sexual harassment probe.
Today in 1993, Christie Todd Whitman was elected the first woman governor of New Jersey.
Today in 1998, President Clinton gave his first in-depth interview since the White House sex scandal to BET talk show host and political commentator, Tavis Smiley, on the network's "BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley."
Today in 1999, a Xerox repairman opened fire on his co-workers in Honolulu, killing seven of them. He was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Today in 2016, MLB World Series: Chicago Cubs defeated Cleveland Indians in game 7, 8-7 for the first Cubs series win in 108 years.
Today in 2021, at the MLB World Series: Atlanta Braves won their fourth title in franchise history, beating the Houston Astros, 7-0 in Game 6 at Minute Maid Park, Houston for 4-2 series victory. MVP: Braves outfielder Jorge Soler.