TODAY IN HISTORY

1867

The United States took formal possession of Alaska from Russia.

1892

The first long-distance telephone line between New York and Chicago was officially opened.

1898

The American flag was raised in Puerto Rico shortly before Spain formally relinquished control of the island to the U-S.

1961

The movie musical “West Side Story,” starring Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, premiered in New York.

1968

The U.S. Olympic Committee suspended Tommie Smith and

John Carlos for giving a “Black power” salute as a protest during a victory ceremony in Mexico City.

1972

Congress passed the Clean Water Act, overriding President Richard Nixon’s veto.

1997

A monument honoring American servicewomen, past and present, was dedicated at the Arlington Cemetary.