He penned a letter to his daughter, Sarah Bache, in which he expressed his opinion about the selection of the bald eagle as the national bird.
Black Brant Scare
This was the first and only incident in which a superpower activated its nuclear suitcase.
The Holdout
A Japanese soldier was found hiding in the jungle, 27 years after World War II ended.
Going the Deepest
This was the day that two men went to the deepest place on earth.
Death by Home Improvement
This bluesman had one of the most covered songs of all time.
Project Crested Ice
A bomber carrying four hydrogen bombs crashes, scattering radioactive debris across miles of sea ice.
The Merrie Monarch
He brought back surfing, hula dancing and other Hawaiian traditions that had been banned.
Champ Talks Man Off the Ledge
A Vietnam vet threatens to jump off a building and Muhammad Ali swings into action.
The List Maker
He is remembered for publishing the Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases, but that is just one of his many contributions to history.
The Palomares Incident
The accident dropped 4 hydrogen bombs on a small fishing village.
Leon Spinks is Mugged
In the early morning hours of this day, former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks was attacked and robbed of $45,000 worth of jewelry, clothing and other items.
The Fraunces Tavern
For hundreds of years this corner of Manhattan has hosted the movers and shakers of American history through triumph and tragedy.
Greyfriars Bobby
The devoted dog refused to leave his master's side and set up permanent residence at his grave.
The Longest Sneeze
Today was the day that Donna Griffiths began a sneezing fit that would last for 3 years, a world record.
Freezing Day
Dr. James Bedford became the first person frozen after death in a process known as cryogenic suspension.
Albert Hofmann: The Father of LSD
Based on his own experience with LSD, Hofmann was convinced that this drug had powerful potential as a psychiatric tool.
Spindletop Gusher
It ignited the Texas oil boom and within a year over 500 oil and land companies were created.
The Willow Bunch Giant
Unable to pursue his dream of being a cowboy (he was too big for the horses), Beaupré turned to the freak show circuit as a way to support his family.
Sub vs Mountain
At about 2 in the morning the bow of the sub plowed into a wall of rock and mud.
John Jeffries
The first successful flight across the English Channel was on this day.