TODAY IN HISTORY

1848

James W. Marshall discovered a gold nugget in northern California, leading to the gold rush of `49.

1978

A nuclear-powered Soviet satellite disintegrated, scattering radioactive debris over northern Canada.

1985

The space shuttle Discovery was launched from Cape Canaveral on the first secret, all-military shuttle mission.

1989

Confessed serial killer Theodore Bundy was executed in Florida's electric chair.

2013

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced the lifting of a ban on women serving in combat.