December 3rd, 2008

Today in History

1818:
Illinois becomes the 21st U.S. state

1928:
In Rio de Janeiro, a seaplane sunk near Cap Arcona with a group of people paying homage to Alberto Santos-Dumont on board.

1929:
Great Depression: US President Herbert Hoover announces to U.S. Congress that the worst effects of the recent stock market crash are behind the nation and the American people have regained faith in the economy.

1999:
NASA loses radio contact with the Mars Polar Lander moments before the spacecraft enters the Martian atmosphere.

1904:
The Jovian moon Himalia is discovered by Charles Dillon Perrine at Lick Observatory.