Historical Events
1836
Texas declares its independence from Mexico.
1877
Rutherford B. Hayes is declared winner of the disputed 1876 US presidential election.
1949
The B-50 Lucky Lady II completes the first nonstop around-the-world airplane flight.
1962
Wilt Chamberlain scores a record 100 points in a single NBA game.
1972
NASA launches Pioneer 10, which later becomes the first spacecraft to leave the solar system.
Famous Birthdays
1779
Joel Roberts Poinsett
American statesman who introduced the poinsettia plant to the US from Mexico.
1793
Sam Houston
American statesman who fought for Texas independence and became its first president.
1904
Dr. Seuss
American author and illustrator known for The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham.
1931
Mikhail Gorbachev
Soviet leader who introduced perestroika and glasnost, ending the Cold War.
1962
Jon Bon Jovi
American rock musician and founder of Bon Jovi.
