It would flow out of control for 18 months. Over 9 million barrels of crude oil were spilled before the well could finally be contained. At its peak, the spill formed a 60-acre lake of oil.
I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired
Fannie Lou Hamer was the granddaughter of slaves who grew up to be a freedom fighter.
Nugget Man
Robert C. Baker invented some of the most popular fast food items of all time.
The Strowger Switch
An undertaker invented a pivotal piece of technology that would automate phone exchanges.
Long Beach Earthquake
Over 200 schools were destroyed in the disaster and it was clear that had the quake struck during school hours the death toll would have been significantly higher.
Camels in America
The camels performed well in initial tests where they were able to handle rough terrain and the extreme temperatures of the Southwest.
The Murder Trust
A notorious true story about a plot to kill a man who stubbornly refused to die.
The Station Nightclub Fire
100 people died on this night in one of the worst nightclub fires in U.S. history.
The Coso Artifact
Three rockhounds found what appeared to be a manmade piece of machinery encased in a 500,000 year old rock.
Jack Paar Walks Away
This was the day that Jack Paar, host of The Tonight Show, made a very public stand against censorship.
The Ultimate Family Man
Wilson Kettle held the record for the most living descendants.
Russia Shoots Down a UFO
A mysterious bright object goes BOOM!
The Captain
Daryl Dragon died on this day. You may remember him as the Captain.
Father of the Barcode
Lines drawn in the sand inspired a system that powers worldwide commerce.
The Blue Marble
The photograph is one of only a few that shows the planet fully illuminated.
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.