Today in history

Today is Saturday, May 5, the 125th day of 2018 and the 47th day of spring. Today’s Highlights in

History:

In 1809, Mary Kies became the first woman to receive a U.S. patent, for a weaving technique.

In 1821, exiled former French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte died in British custody on the island of Saint Helena.

In 1862, the Mexican army halted the invading French army in the Battle of Puebla. This day would later be celebrated as the “Cinco de Mayo” holiday.

In 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into outer space.

In 1994, 18-year-old American Michael P. Fay was caned in Singapore as punishment for theft and vandalism.

Today’s fact: Composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky was the guest conductor at the grand opening of New York’s Carnegie Hall (then called the Music Hall) on this day in 1891.

Today’s sports: In 1973, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:59:40, a record that still stands.

Today’s number: 21 – perfect games (as of April 2018) thrown by major league pitchers in baseball’s modern era. A perfect game is one in which no opposing player reaches base. Cy Young of the Boston Red Sox became the first pitcher to accomplish the feat on this day in 1904.

Today’s moon: Between full moon (April 29) and last quarter moon (May 7).