TODAY IN HISTORY

1513

Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon and his expedition began exploring the Florida coastline.

1820

The Venus de Milo statue was discovered by a farmer on the Greek island of Milos.

1864

The United States Senate passed, 38-6, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing slavery.

1911

An explosion at the Banner Coal Mine in Littleton, Ala., claimed the lives of 128men, most of them convicts loaned out from prisons.

1913

The 17th Amendment to the Constitution, providing for popular election of U.S. senators, was ratified.

1952

President Harry S. Truman seized the American steel industry to avert a nationwide strike.

1974

Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit his 715th career home run in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.