TODAY IN HISTORY

1791

Congress passed a measure taxing distilled spirits; it was the first internal revenue act in U.S. history.

1845

Florida became the 27th state.

1863

President Abraham Lincoln signed a measure creating the National Academy of Sciences.

1931

“The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem of the United States as President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution.

1943

In London’s East End, 173people died in a crush of bodies at the Bethnal Green tube station, which was being used as a wartime air raid shelter.

1974

A Turkish Airlines DC-10 crashed shortly after takeoff from Orly Airport in Paris, killing all 346 people on board.

1991

Motorist Rodney King was severely beaten by Los Angeles police officers in a scene captured on amateur video.