Today In History

In 1776: The second Continental Congress made the term “United States” official, replacing “United Colonies.”

In 1893: Frances Cleveland, wife of President Cleveland, gave birth to a daughter, Esther, in the White House; it was the first time a president’s child was born in the executive mansion.

In 1926: The National Broadcasting Co. was created by the Radio Corporation of America.

In 1957: President Eisenhower signed into law the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction.

In 1971: Prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, N.Y., beginning a siege that claimed 43 lives.

In 1976: Communist Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung died in Beijing at age 82.