November 22nd, 2008

Today in History

1935:
The China Clipper takes off from Alameda, California in an attempt to deliver the first airmail cargo across the Pacific Ocean (the airplane later reached its destination, Manila, and delivered over 110,000 pieces of mail).

1974:
The United Nations General Assembly grants the Palestine Liberation Organization observer status.

1718:
Off the coast of Virginia, English pirate Edward Teach (best known as "Blackbeard") is killed in battle when a British boarding party cornered and then shot and stabbed him more than 25 times.

1977:
British Airways inaugurates regular London to New York City supersonic Concorde service.

1990:
Margaret Thatcher resigns as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.