Today In History
In 1803: The Louisiana Purchase was completed as France formally transferred ownership of the territory to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans.
In 1860: South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union.
In 1879: Thomas A. Edison demonstrated his incandescent light at Menlo Park, N.J.
In 1963: The Berlin Wall was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays.
In 1978: Former White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman was released from prison after serving 18 months for his role in the Watergate cover-up.