TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is Sunday, Dec. 6, the 341st day of 2020.

Today’s highlight in history

On Dec. 6, 1907, the worst mining disaster in U.S. history occurred as 362 men and boys died in a coal mine explosion in Monongah, W.VA.

On this date

In 1790, Congress moved to Philadelphia from New York.

In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery, was ratified.

In 1884, Army engineers completed construction of the Washington Monument by setting an aluminum capstone atop the obelisk.

In 1947, Everglades National Park in Florida was dedicated by President Harry S. Truman.

In 1957, America’s first attempt at putting a satellite into orbit failed as Vanguard TV3 rose about 4 feet off a Cape Canaveral launch pad before crashing down and exploding. In 1962, 37 coal miners were killed in an explosion at the Robena No. 3 Mine operated by U.S. Steel in Carmichaels, Pa.

In 1969, a free concert by The Rolling Stones at the Altamont Speedway in Alameda County was marred by the deaths of four people, including one who was stabbed by a Hell’s Angel.

Today’s birthdays

Comedian David Ossman is

84. Actor Patrick Bauchau is

82. Singer Helen Cornelius is

79. Singer Frankie Beverly (Maze) is 74. Actor Jobeth Williams is 72. Actor Tom Hulce is 67. Actor Wil Shriner is

67. Actor Kin Shriner is 67. Comedian Steven Wright is 65. Musician Peter Buck (R.E.M.) is 64. Musician David Lovering (Pixies) is 59. Writer-director Judd Apatow is 53. NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo is 26.