1803
Politics
Louisiana Purchase Completed
France formally transferred the Louisiana Territory to the United States in a ceremony in New Orleans. The $15 million purchase doubled the size of the nation and opened the American West.
On This Day in History
1860
Politics
South Carolina Secedes
South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, setting in motion the events leading to the Civil War. The secession convention voted unanimously to leave the United States.
1989
War & Conflict
US Invades Panama
The United States launched Operation Just Cause, invading Panama to depose dictator Manuel Noriega. The operation resulted in Noriega's capture and his conviction on drug trafficking charges.
1522
War & Conflict
Suleiman Captures Rhodes
Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent captured the island of Rhodes from the Knights Hospitaller after a six-month siege. The knights were allowed to leave and eventually settled in Malta.
1968
Culture
Zodiac Killer First Attacks
The unidentified serial killer known as the Zodiac began his series of confirmed murders in the San Francisco Bay Area. The case remains one of America's most famous unsolved crimes.
1957
Entertainment
Elvis Presley Drafted
Elvis Presley received his draft notice for the United States Army. His two-year military service paradoxically enhanced his public image and demonstrated his patriotic duty.
2019
Politics
US Space Force Established
The United States Space Force was established as the sixth independent branch of the US Armed Forces. It was the first new military branch since the Air Force was created in 1947.