TODAY IN HISTORY

1787

The first of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays calling for ratification of the United States Constitution, was published. (The Federalist Papers are 85letters written to newspapers that define the powers of the federal government.

1904

The first rapid transit subway, the IRT, was inaugurated in New York City.

1954

Air Force Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was promoted to brigadier general, the first black officer to achieve that rank in the USAF.

1962

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, a U-2reconnaissance plane was shot down over Cuba, killing the pilot, Air Force Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr.