This day in history

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1863: President Abraham Lincoln signs the final Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in the rebelling states (more info) 1934: Alcatraz Island becomes a United States federal prison (more info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1879 – Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time (More info) 1907 – The first New Year’s Eve celebration is held in Times Square — then known as Longacre Square — in New York City (More info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1929 – The New York Stock Exchange crashes in what will be called the Crash of ’29 or “Black Tuesday,” ending the Great Bull Market of the 1920s and beginning the Great Depression (More info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1854 – The Charge of the Light Brigade takes place at Balaklava during the Crimean War (More info) 1944 – The Japanese deploy kamikaze suicide bombers against American warships for the first time (More info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1944 – Two liquid gas tanks explode in Cleveland, Ohio, killing 130 people and leveling 30 city blocks (More info) 1944 – General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines, 30 months after he declared “I shall return” (More info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1781 – British General Cornwallis surrenders to General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia, bringing an end to the last major battle of the American Revolution (More info) 1789 – Chief Justice John Jay is sworn in as the first Chief Justice of the United States (More info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1863 – President Abraham Lincoln signs the final Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in the rebelling states (More info) 1934 – Alcatraz Island becomes a United States federal prison (More info)