TODAY IN HISTORY

1781

Los Angeles was founded by Spanish settlers under the leadership of Governor Felipe de Neve.

1862

During the Civil War, Confederate forces led by Gen. Robert E. Lee began invading Maryland.

1957

Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus used Arkansas National Guardsmen to prevent nine Black students from entering all-white Central High School in Little Rock.

1972

U.S. swimmer Mark

Spitz won a seventh gold medal at the

Munich Olympics in the 400-meter medley relay.

1974

The U.S. established diplomatic relations with East Germany.

1999

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat signed a breakthrough land-for-security agreement during a ceremony in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

2006

“Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, 44, died after a stingray’s barb pierced his chest.

Birthdays

Actor Mitzi Gaynor is 90. Singer Merald “Bubba” Knight (Gladys Knight & The Pips) is

79. World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Watson is

72. Actor-comedian Damon Wayans Sr. is 61. Actor Ione Skye is 51. Singer Beyonce Knowles is 40. Actor-comedian Kyle Mooney is 37. Actor Trevor Gagnon is 26.