Lines drawn in the sand inspired a system that powers worldwide commerce.
Death at the Washington Monument
An anti-Nukes activist seized the landmark in hopes of drawing attention to his cause.
Absolutely Fireproof
The Winecoff Hotel was supposed to be safe, but it turned out to be the deadliest hotel in U.S. history.
The Blue Marble
The photograph is one of only a few that shows the planet fully illuminated.
First Recording
Edison stepped up to the machine and blurted out the first thing that popped into his head.
The Lost Patrol
The mysterious case has become one of the most celebrated legends of the Bermuda Triangle.
Smoke on the Water
This was the night that the historic Montreux Casino on the shore of Lake Geneva, Switzerland burned to the ground.
Times Beach
The federal government would spend $32 million to relocate the citizens, plus another $110 million on the subsequent cleanup.
The End of Escobar
Despite his attempt to portray himself as a Robin Hood character, Pablo Escobar's ruthlessness and greed eventually caught up with him.
Christine Jorgensen
People had been having sex change operations since at least the 1920s, but what made Jorgensen's case stand out was the use of hormone therapy in combination with the surgical procedures.
Message to the Stars
A radio message was broadcast, but it will take 25,000 years to reach its intended target.
Wilmington Coup d'état
Angry whites attacked the city's black leaders after being stirred into a frenzy by sensationalized news stories about "negro domination."
The Man Inside the Hulk
Lou Ferrigno started weight training when he was just 13 years old. By the time he was 18 he would win both the Mr. America and the Mr. Universe titles.
National Pornographic
It was the first time the publication included a photograph of a bare-breasted woman.
Halloween Horror on Ice
A leaking propane tank exploded sending dozens of people and massive chunks of concrete flying 60 feet into the air.
The Black Pope
As the founder of the Church of Satan, Anton LaVey presided over spooky weddings and funerals, and he threw some famously wild parties.
Chicken of the Woods
The world's largest edible mushroom was found on this day.
Steve Bartman Incident
It was game 6 of the National League Championship Series and the Chicago Cubs were one victory away from going to the World Series! Then disaster struck.
Silver Foxfire
Grammy Award-winning Charlie Rich was at the top of his career, but this was the night where he went a little off the tracks.
Old East
The cornerstone to America's oldest state university building was laid on this day.