Today in history

In 1776, the Second Continental Congress made the term “United States” official, replacing “United Colonies.”

In 1830 Charles Durant flew a balloon from New York across the Hudson River to Perth Amboy, N.J.

In 1850 California became the 31st state.

In 1893 Frances Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland, gave birth to a daughter, Esther, in the White House; it was the first time a president’s child was born in the executive mansion.

In 1926 the National Broadcasting Co. was created by the Radio Corporation of America.

In 1943 Allied forces landed at Salerno and Taranto during World War II.

In 1948 the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was created.

In 1967 the comedy show “Rowan & Martin's LaughIn” aired as a one-time special on NBC; its success led to a regular series beginning in January 1968. In 1971 prisoners seized control of the maximumsecurity Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, N.Y., beginning a siege that ended up claiming 43 lives.

In 1991 boxer Mike Tyson was indicted in Indianapolis on a charge of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant; Tyson later was convicted.

In 1993 PLO leaders and Israel agreed to recognize each other, clearing the way for a peace accord.