December 3rd, 2008

Today in History

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

1925:
George Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F is premiered at Carnegie Hall.

1970:
October Crisis: In Montreal, Quebec, kidnapped British Trade Commissioner James Cross is released by the Front de Libération du Québec terrorist group after being held hostage for 60 days. Police negotiate his release and in return the Government of Canada grants five terrorists from the FLQ's Chenier Cell their request for safe passage to Cuba.

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

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.