TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT 1957

Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus used Arkansas National Guardsmen to prevent nine Black students from entering all-white Central High School in Little Rock.

ALSO ON THIS DATE 1781

Los Angeles was founded by Spanish settlers under the leadership of Governor Felipe de Neve.

1862

During the Civil War, Confederate forces led by Gen. Robert E. Lee began invading Maryland.

1893

English author Beatrix Potter first told the story of Peter Rabbit in the form of a “picture letter” to Noel Moore, the son of Potter’s former governess.

1944

During World War II, British troops liberated Antwerp, Belgium.

1969

The Food and Drug Administration issued a report calling birth control pills “safe,” despite a slight risk of fatal blood-clotting disorders linked to the pills.

1972

U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz won a seventh gold medal at the Munich Olympics in the 400-meter medley relay.

1974

The United States established diplomatic relations with East Germany.

1998

Internet services company Google filed for incorporation in California.

1999

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat signed a breakthrough land-for-security agreement during a ceremony in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

2006

“Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, 44, died after a stingray’s barb pierced his chest.