TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT Dec. 20, 1803

The Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.

ALSO ON THIS DATE 1790

The first successful cotton mill in the United States began operating at Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

1812

German authors Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published the first volume of the first edition of their collection of folk stories, “Children’s and Household Tales.”

1860

South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union as all 169 delegates to a special convention in Charleston voted in favor of separation.

1924

Adolf Hitler was released from prison after serving nine months for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch.

1945

The Office of Price Administration announced the end of tire rationing, effective Jan. 1, 1946.

1946

The Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, had a preview showing for charity in New York, a day before its world premiere.

1963

The Berlin Wall was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector.