October 14th, 2008

Today in History

1999:
1999 - The South Carolina Supreme Court rules that the video poker machines in the state must be unplugged by June 30, 2000.

1949:
Eleven leaders of the U.S. Communist Party are convicted, after a nine-month trial, of conspiring to advocate the violent overthrow of the U.S. government. Ten defendants are sentenced to 5 years in prison each, and the eleventh to 3 years. The Supreme Court upheld the convictions on June 4, 1951.

1834:
In Philadelphia, Whigs and Democrats stage a gun, stone and brick battle for control of a Moyamensing Township election, resulting in one death, several injuries, and the burning down of a block of buildings.

1812:
Work on London's Regent's Canal starts.

1651:
Laws are passed in Massachusetts forbidding poor people from adopting excessive styles of dress.