In 1904, more than 1,000 people died when fire erupted aboard the steamboat General Slocum in New York’s East River. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an act making the National Guard part of the U.S. Army in the event of war or national emergency.
The excursion boat General Slocum lies beached off Hell Gate in New York City’s East River, following a fire and resulting panic. The disaster cost the lives of 1,030 mostly German immigrants, June 15, 1904. (AP)
On this day in 1997, a civil jury in California found O.J. Simpson (Left) liable in the death of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and
Ron Goldman. Goldman’s parents (right) were awarded $8.5 million
in compensatory damages.
O.J. Simpson was tried and acquitted of the 1994 murders of Ron Goldman (left) and Nicole Brown.
Orenthal James “O.J.” Simpson will be 72 July 9.
An earthquake in Guatemala and Honduras killed more than 22,000 people on this day in 1976.
On this day in 1992, rioting began after a jury decision to acquit four Los Angeles policemen (below) in the Rodney King beating trial. A total of 54 people were killed in 3 days.
Rodney King, central figure in L.A. riots.
On this day in 1945, the Nazi death camp, Dachau, was liberated and on the same day in a bunker in Berlin, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun (below) were married.
President Nixon announced he was releasing edited transcripts of secretly made White House tape recordings related to the Watergate scandal.
Jerome Allen "Jerry" Seinfeld is 64 years old today. He was born in Brooklyn, New York.
Stand-up comedian, producer, actor, and writer Jerry Seinfeld co-created and starred in the NBC sitcom Seinfeld, which became one of the most popular television comedies of all time, winning ten Emmy Awards during its run which began in 1989 and aired for nine seasons. In 2012, he began the internet comedy series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, where he chats with other comedians.
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974)
One of the jazz worlds most influential figures. He led his famed orchestra from 1923 until his death. He called his music American Music, not jazz. He helped compose more than 1,000 original pieces, many of which became standards. Ellington was called Duke by his friends growing up because his suave sophistication reminded them of a nobleman.
The United States Senate ratified a treaty that included the Louisiana Territories from France for $15 million on this day in 1803. The transfer was completed with formal ceremonies in New Orleans.
Hoisting of American Colors over Louisiana. Painting depicting first raising of the USA flag with the Louisiana Purchase, in main plaza (now Jackson Square), New Orleans.
South Carolina became the first state to secede from the American Union on this day in 1860.
Members of the South Carolina Secession Convention unanimously vote to secede from the American Union..
On this day in 1989, General Noriega, Panama’s former dictator, was overthrown by a United States invasion force invited by the new civilian government. The project was known as Operation Just Cause.
US soldiers secure a position outside the embassy in Panama City.
On this day in 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded couples of the opposite sex.
The Frank Capra film "It’s A Wonderful Life" had a preview showing for charity at New York City’s Globe Theatre on this day in 1946, a day before its "official" world premiere. James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film.