Today in 1907, Charles Curtis became the first elected Native American senator. After serving a number of years as a Representative for Kansas, he later became a Senator and ultimately, served as the 31st vice president of the United States from 1929 to 1933 (under Herbert Hoover.
Today in 1962, Jackie Robinson became the first African American player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Today in 1964, the 24th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, abolishing the poll tax, and attempting to prevent the disenfranchisement of African Americans during reconstruction.
Today in 1973, President Nixon announced an accord had been reached to end the Vietnam War.
Today in 1977, the TV mini-series, "Roots," based on the Alex Haley novel, began airing on ABC and became the most watched TV program in history.
Today in 1985, O.J. Simpson became the first Heisman Trophy winner to be elected to pro football's Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Roger Staubach, of the Dallas Cowboys, another Heisman winner, was also elected; but ‘the Juice’ went in first because his name comes before Staubach’s, alphabetically.
Today in1996, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was subpoenaed to appear before a federal grand jury. The investigation was concerning the discovery of billing records related to the Whitewater real estate investment venture.
Today in 1999, a federal judge ordered Monica Lewinsky to submit to an interview sought by House prosecutors in President Clinton's impeachment trial. The same day, President Clinton lied and assured his Cabinet during a meeting that he was innocent and urged them to concentrate on their jobs.
Today in 2002, reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped in Karachi, Pakistan, and later murdered.
Today in 2013, the U.S. armed services lifted the ban on women serving in combat.
Today in 2017, thunderstorms and tornadoes in Georgia and Mississippi left at least 21 dead.
Today in 2018, Chinese researchers reported that they had cloned two monkeys, using the same technology as Dolly the Sheep.
Today in 2019, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi disinvited President Donald Trump from making a State of the Union address in Congress citing the government shutdown.