Today In History

In 1497: The first recorded sighting of North America by a European took place as explorer John Cabot spotted land, probably in present-day Canada.

In 1509: Henry VIII was crowned king of England.

In 1793: The first republican constitution in France was adopted.

In 1948: Communist forces cut off all land and water routes between West Germany and West Berlin, prompting the Western allies to organize the massive Berlin Airlift.

In 1968: “Resurrection City,” a shantytown constructed as part of the Poor People’s March on Washington, D.C., was closed down by authorities.

In 1987: Comedian-actor Jackie Gleason died at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at age 71.