December 2nd, 2008

Today in History

1970:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency begins operations.

1867:
In a New York City theater, British author Charles Dickens gives his first public reading in the United States.

1859:
Militant abolitionist leader John Brown is hanged for his October 16th raid on Harper's Ferry.

1852:
Napoleon III becomes Emperor of France.

1845:
Manifest Destiny: US President James K. Polk announces to Congress that the United States should aggressively expand into the West.