This Day in History - Page 2

October 23, 2024

On this day in history, October 23, 1925, late-night TV star and host Johnny Carson is born

Johnny Carson, born in Iowa on this day in history, Oct. 23, 1925, went on to become the iconic and Emmy Award-winning host of "The Tonight Show." Here's his story.

October 22, 2024

On this day in history, October 22, 1928, GOP nominee Herbert Hoover gives speech on 'rugged individualism'

On this day in history, the nation's soon-to-be 31st U.S. president, Herbert Hoover, gave a speech in New York City mentioning "America's system of rugged individualism."

October 21, 2024

On this day in history, October 21, 1797, legendary warship USS Constitution is launched in Boston

The USS Constitution was launched on Oct. 21, 1797, in Boston on this day in history. She went on to a legendary career in naval warfare, earning the famous moniker Old Ironsides.

October 20, 2024

On this day in history, October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmates killed in horrific plane crash

Three members of the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, and three other people, were killed in a plane crash on this day in history, Oct. 20, 1977.

October 19, 2024

On this day in history, October 19, 1789, John Jay sworn in as first Supreme Court chief justice

Founding Father John Jay took his oaths as first chief justice of the Supreme Court on this day in history, Oct. 19, 1789. He served less than six years before resigning at age 49.

October 18, 2024

On this day in history, October 18, 1867, United States purchases Alaska from Russia for cool $7.2 million

The United States formally secured the acquisition of the vast Alaska territory from Russia on Oct. 18, 1867. The data is celebrated as Alaska Day and is a statewide holiday today.

October 17, 2024

On this day in history, October 17, 1835, Texas Rangers formally proposed among settlers patrolling frontier

The Texas Rangers, a legendary law enforcement agency, was formally proposed after more than a decade of "ranging" across the frontier to protect settlers, on Oct. 17, 1835.

October 16, 2024

On this day in history, October 16, 1978, Pope John Paul II of Poland is elected head of Catholic Church

Pope John Paul II was elected to the papacy on this day in history, Oct. 16, 1978. The first Polish pope was also the first non-Italian elected pope in four centuries.

October 15, 2024

On this day in history, October 15, 1991, Clarence Thomas is confirmed to US Supreme Court

On this day in history, Oct. 15, 1991, Clarence Thomas received a Senate vote of 52-48 confirming him to the U.S. Supreme Court. Today, he is the longest serving Supreme Court justice.

October 14, 2024

On this day in history, October 14, 1912, Teddy Roosevelt shot in chest, makes campaign stop minutes later

Theodore Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt during a campaign stop in Milwaukee on Oct. 14, 1912. He then delivered an 84-minute speech after he was shot in the chest.