Today in 1781, the Continental Congress of the United States adopted the Articles of the Confederation.
Today in 1845, President Tyler signed a resolution to annex Texas.
Today in 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first black woman to receive an American medical degree, from the New England Female Medical College in Boston. In 1883, her “Book of Medical Discourses” was one of the very first medical publications by any African American.
Today in 1872, Congress authorized the creation of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world.
Today in 1875, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, the Reconstruction Era response to civil rights violations of African Americans. In it, African Americans were given equal treatment in public accommodations, public transportation, and to prohibit exclusion from jury service. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court invalidated it in 1883. The reason? SCOTUS decreed portions unconstitutional on the grounds that Congress had no authority over private people or corporations.
Today in 1896, scientist Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity.
Today in 1932, the toddler son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh was kidnapped from the family home near Hopewell, New Jersey. Remains identified as those of the baby were found the following May. While Bruno Hauptmann was ultimately convicted – and sentenced to death – his actual guilt remains to be questioned.
Today in 1961, President Kennedy established the Peace Corps.
Today in 1974, seven people, including former Nixon White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman, former Attorney General John Mitchell and former assistant Attorney General Robert Mardian, were indicted on charges of conspiring to obstruct justice in connection with the Watergate break-in. Those four defendants were convicted the following January, although Mardian's conviction was later reversed.
Today in 2016, as the number of world's billionaires shrunk to 1,810, the "Forbes" Richest List was released, with Bill Gates at number one – with a bank balance of $75-billion.