Today In History
In 1790: The first successful cotton mill in the United States began operating at Pawtucket, R.I.
In 1803: The Louisiana Purchase was completed as the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans.
In 1860: South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union.
In 1864: Confederate forces evacuated Savannah, Ga., as Union Gen. William T. Sherman continued his “March to the Sea.”
In 1879: Thomas A. Edison privately unveiled his incandescent light at Menlo Park, N.J.
In 1946: The Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, had a preview showing for charity at New York City’s Globe Theatre.
In 1989: The United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of General Manuel Noriega.