TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

August 27, 1949

A violent white mob prevented an outdoor concert headlined by Paul Robeson from taking place near Peekskill, New York.

ON THIS DATE 1859

Edwin L. Drake drilled the first successful oil well in the United States, at Titusville, Pa.

2005

Coastal residents jammed freeways and gas stations as they rushed to get out of the way of Hurricane Katrina, which was headed toward New Orleans.

2008

Barack Obama was nominated for president by the Democratic National Convention in Denver.