Today in 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to a friend in which he now-famously said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."
Today in 1843, Mount Rainier, which is in Washington State, erupted.
Today in 1914, New York socialite Mary Jacobs patented the brassiere, which she originally developed from two handkerchiefs, a strand of ribbon, and a length of cord.
Today in 1956, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation on public transportation was illegal in the Browder v Gayle decision.
Today in 1974, Karen Silkwood, an employee at an Oklahoma Kerr-McGee nuclear plant, was killed on her way to meet a "New York Times" reporter after her car crashed off the road. Adding to the mystery surrounding her death, the evidence she had uncovered of defective fuel rods, also disappeared. The event was the basis for the film, "Silkwood," which was released in 1983.
Today in 1982, the Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., following three days of ceremonies and marches in the nation's capitol.
Today in 1998, President Clinton agreed to pay Paula Jones $850,000 to drop her sexual harassment lawsuit – with no apology or admission of guilt – ending the four-year legal battle that spurred the impeachment proceedings against him. The same day, Monica Lewinsky signed a deal with St. Martin's Press for the North American rights to her story about her affair with President Bill Clinton.
Today in 2001, President George W. Bush signed an executive order that would allow for military tribunals to try any foreigners captured with connections to the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. It was the first time since World War II that a President had taken such action.
Today in 2015, orchestrated terror attacks in Paris at three locations left at least 129 dead. Isis claimed responsibility.
Today in 2017, the first Barbie doll to wear a hijab – modeled on Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad – was unveiled in New York.