On this is day in 1845, President James Polk and signed legislation making Texas the 28th state of the United States.
Boundaries of Texas after the annexation in 1845.
Depiction of Anson Jones lowering Republic flag following annexation by the United States.
The U.S. and Texas flags at the Texas State Capitol.
The first American Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was organized, in Boston, MA. on this day in 1851.
A group of evangelicals from several Boston churches, led by retired sea captain and lay preacher Thomas Valentine Sullivan, founded the first YMCA in the United States. Modeled on the original YMCA established in London in 1844 by George Williams, this new organization offered a safe gathering place, opportunities for socializing, bible-study classes and prayer meetings.
On this day in 1974, President Gerald Ford announced a conditional amnesty program for draft-evaders and deserters during the Vietnam War.
In west Beirut on this day in 1982, the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian men, women and children began in refugee camps of the Lebanese Christian militiamen.
World War II began when Germany invaded Poland on this day in 1939.
Hitler salutes as he oversees troops during the Nazi occupation of Poland.
It was on this day in 2004.
Russian President Vladimir Putin seen during his televised address to the nation.
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It was on this day in 1983.
President Ronald Reagan condemning the Soviet attack on a Korean airliner.
On this day in 1972, America’s Bobby Fischer (right) beats Russia’s Boris Spassky (left) to become world chess champion. The chess match took place in Reykjavik, Iceland.
This undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions shows the chess board used by American Bobby Fischer and Soviet champ Boris Spassky during their historic 1972 “Match of the Century.”
Gloria Estefan (Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo) is 61 years young today.
Latin pop singer Gloria Estefan has sold more than one hundred million records over the course of her career. She has released many #1 hits, including "Don’t Wanna Lose You." Gloria once worked with the Miami International Airport Customs Department while in college and was approached by the CIA because of her prowess with language. She has won seven Grammy Awards, including one for Best Tropical Latin Album in 1993 for Mi Tierra.