TODAY IN HISTORY

1796

English physician Edward Jenner inoculated 8-year-old James Phipps against smallpox by using cowpox matter.

1804

The Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory as well as the Pacific Northwest left camp near present-day Hartford, Illinois.

1940

The Netherlands surrendered to invading German forces during World War II.

1961

Freedom Riders were attacked by violent mobs in Anniston and Birmingham, Alabama.

1998

Singer-actor Frank Sinatra died at a Los Angeles hospital at age 82 . ... The hit sitcom “Seinfeld” aired its final episode after nine years on NBC.

2003

More than 100 immigrants were abandoned in a locked trailer at a Texas truck stop; 19 of them died. (Truck driver Tyrone Williams was later sentenced to nearly 34 years in prison for his role in the deaths.)