Today In History

Wed., Aug. 5, 1998

In 1861: The federal government levied an income tax for the first time.

In 1864: During the Civil War, Union Adm. David G. Farragut is said to have given his famous order, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” as he led his fleet against Confederate ships in Mobile Bay, Ala.

In 1914: The first electric traffic lights were installed, in Cleveland.

In 1957: “American Bandstand,” hosted by Dick Clark, made its network debut on ABC.

In 1962: Actress Marilyn Monroe, 36, was found dead in her Los Angeles home; her death was ruled a “probable suicide” from an overdose of sleeping pills.

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Today In History

Jesse Tinsley

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