This Day in History - Page 4

October 4, 2024

On this day in history, October 4, 1927, Mount Rushmore's moment of creation begins in South Dakota

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began carving the images of four U.S. presidents into Mount Rushmore on Oct. 4, 1927. The effort employed 400 people and took 14 years to complete.

October 3, 2024

On this day in history, October 3, 1863, Lincoln issues powerful Thanksgiving proclamation

President Abe Lincoln issued his powerful Thanksgiving proclamation on Oct. 3, 1863, asking Americans to set aside the last Thursday of November to praise "our beneficent Father."

October 2, 2024

On this day in history, October 2, 1945, 'American Pie' singer-songwriter Don McLean is born

Singer Don McLean was born on this day in history, October 2, 1945. The New York-born singer is best known for the iconic song "American Pie" and the album of the same name.

October 1, 2024

On this day in history, October 1, 2013, techno-thriller novelist Tom Clancy passes away at age 66

Tom Clancy, a former Baltimore-born insurance agent, became a bestselling novelist starting with his first book, "The Hunt for Red October." He died on this day in history, Oct. 1, 2013, at age 66.

September 30, 2024

On this day in history, September 30, 1927, Babe Ruth swats record 60th home run, shocks sports world

Babe Ruth swatted his then-record 60th home run on Sept. 30, 1927. His total has since been surpassed by other players, but his achievement has only grown in stature across the decades.

September 29, 2024

On this day in history, September 29, 1907, cowboy crooner and Hollywood icon Gene Autry is born in Texas

Gene Autry, the "singing cowboy" and multimedia star credited with popularizing country-western music, was born on Sept. 29, 1907. Autry also founded the Los Angeles Angels baseball team.

September 28, 2024

On this day in history, September 28, 1781, the Siege of Yorktown begins

The Siege of Yorktown, Virginia, began on this day in history, Sept. 28, 1781. Surrounded by Washington's army and French allies by both land and sea, the British realized their cause was hopeless.

September 27, 2024

On this day in history, September 27, 1779, John Adams assigned to lead peace talks with England

John Adams was assigned the duty of negotiating peace with Great Britain in 1779, two years before George Washington's victory at Yorktown gave the envoy a position of strength.

September 26, 2024

On this day in history, September 26, 1960, Kennedy and Nixon battle in first televised presidential debate

Vice President Richard Nixon and Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy faced off in the first televised presidential debate in U.S. history on this day in history, Sept. 26, 1960.

September 25, 2024

On this day in history, September 25, 1890, Congress establishes Sequoia National Park in California

Sequoia National Park, America's second national park, was established on this day in history, Sept. 25, 1890. The aim of the park was to protect the sequoia tree.