Today in 1676, the first colonial prison was organized/founded in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Today in 1824, Fifth Avenue officially opened in New York City. It became one of the most famous thoroughfares in the world, with many beautiful, fashionable stores.
Today in 1864, as the city of Atlanta continued to burn, General Sherman began his infamous march to the sea.
Today in 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state.
Today in 1969, the story of the My Lai (pronounced “Me-Lie”) massacre was first revealed to the American public during the Vietnam War.
Today in 1973, President Nixon signed a bill that authorized the construction of the Alaskan pipeline.
Today in 1982, the 57-day strike by players in the National Football League ended. It was the first regular-season, pro-football strike in the history of the NFL.
Today in 1986, Gerber Products announced they would produce baby food in plastic jars instead of glass – a first for the industry.
Today in 1995, Attorney General Janet Reno disclosed she had Parkinson's disease. She succumbed to the disease in 2016.
Today in 1998, in Burlington, Wisconsin, five high school students, aged 15 to 16, were arrested in an alleged plot to kill a carefully selected group of teachers and students.
Today in 1998, it was announced that Monica Lewinsky had signed a deal to write a book about her affair with President Clinton.
Today in 2002, Bill Clinton became the first American President to visit Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War.
Today in 2010, the groundbreaking ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center took place at University Park, Texas.
Today in 2017, it was revealed that Minnesota Senator Al Franken had groped – and he was accused of forcibly kissing – Leeann Tweeden a decade earlier during a USO tour. He later admitted to the groping (which there was a photo of), but denied the kissing. Sort of. He suggested that it was consensual. Other women soon came forward with allegations of their own – and Franken ultimately resigned.