Today in 1876, Wild Bill Hickok was famously shot and killed while playing poker in a bar in Deadwood, South Dakota. He was shot by Jack McCall, who was later executed. At the time he was shot, Hickok was holding two aces and two eights, a combination now known as the “Dead Man’s Hand.”
Today in 1923, the 29th President of the United States, Warren G. Harding, died in San Francisco. While his passing was originally attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage, it was later deemed the result of cardiac arrest.
Today in 1974, John Dean, counsel to President Nixon, was sentenced to one-to-four years in prison for his part in the Watergate cover-up.
Today in 1985, Delta Flight #191 crashed while attempting to land at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. All 137 people onboard were killed – and nearly 30 more were injured on the ground. Officials say the lessons learned there improved training and safety that we enjoy today.
Today in 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, seizing control of the oil-rich emirate. President Bush condemned the incursion as an act of "naked aggression." The Iraqis were later driven out in Operation Desert Storm.
Today in 2012, American swimmer Michael Phelps won an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal in the 200m individual medley in 1:54.27 at the London Olympics.
Today in 2017, President Donald Trump signed legislation imposing sanctions on Russia, limiting his ability to ever lift them.
Today in 2018, Apple became the first American public listed company to reach $1- trillion.
Today in 2020, SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, become the first commercial crewed mission.