Today In History

In A.D. 79:, Long-dormant Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in volcanic ash; an estimated 20,000 people died.

In 1572: The slaughter of French Protestants at the hands of Catholics began in Paris.

In 1814: Britain invaded Washington, setting fire to the Capitol and the White House.

In 1949: the North Atlantic Treaty went into effect.

In 1954: the Communist Control Act went into effect, virtually outlawing the Communist Party in the United States.

In 1992: Hurricane Andrew smashed into Florida.