TODAY IN HISTORY

1790

The Coast Guard began as President George Washington authorized a group of revenue cutters to enforce tariff trade laws and prevent smuggling.

1892

Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were axed to death in in Fall River, Massachusetts. Lizzie Borden, Andrew’s daughter from a previous marriage, was acquitted.

1964

The bodies of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were found buried in a Mississippi earthen dam.

1987

The FCC voted 4-0 to abolish the Fairness Doctrine, which required radio and television stations to present balanced coverage of controversial issues.