Today In History

1850: The 12th president of the United States, Zachary Taylor, died after serving only 16 months.

1896: William Jennings Bryan caused a sensation at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago with his “cross of gold” speech denouncing supporters of the gold standard. Bryan went on to win the party’s nomination.

1947: The engagement of Britain’s Princess Elizabeth to Lt. Philip Mountbatten was announced.

1982: A Pan Am Boeing 727 crashed in Kenner, La., killing all 146 people aboard and eight people on the ground.

1991: The International Olympic Committee readmitted South Africa.