Today in 1639, the first US post office was established in Richard Fairbanks's tavern in Boston, Massachusetts.
Today in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States.
Today in 1906, Theodore Roosevelt became the first American President to visit another country (Puerto Rico and Panama).
Today in 1917, New York State adopted a constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote in state elections.
Today in 1928, Jacob Schick was granted a patent for the electric shaver.
Today in 1945, the first landing of a jet on a carrier took place on USS Wake Island when a Ryan FR-1 Fireball touched down.
Today in 1947, NBC's "Meet the Press" debuted. It remains the longest running TV show.
Today in 1984, incumbent Republican President Ronald Reagan was re-elected President of the United States in a landslide – winning 58.8 of the popular vote and carrying 49 states and defeating Democrat candidate Walter Mondale.
Today in 1990, one-fifth of the Universal Studios back lot in southern California was destroyed in an arson fire.
Today in 1994, former President Reagan disclosed he had Alzheimer's disease.
Today in 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected as President, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney.
Today in 2012, Elizabeth Warren became the first female Senator from Massachusetts.
Today in 2012, Tammy Duckworth became the first disabled woman and first person born in Thailand to be elected to US Congress.
Today in 2012, voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington approved measures for same-sex marriage.