Discover What Happened Today in History
The United States formally took possession of Alaska from Russia in a ceremony at Sitka. The territory was purchased for $7.2 million, a deal initially criticized as 'Seward's Folly' but later proven immensely valuable.
Following the Spanish-American War, U.S. forces raised the American flag over San Juan, formally marking the beginning of U.S. sovereignty over Puerto Rico. This event followed the signing of the armistice with Spain.
Texas Instruments unveiled the Regency TR-1, the world's first commercially produced transistor radio. This portable device revolutionized personal electronics and helped popularize rock and roll music.
At the Mexico City Olympics, American long jumper Bob Beamon shattered the world record by jumping 8.90 meters (29 ft 2.5 in). The record stood for nearly 23 years and is considered one of the greatest athletic feats ever.
NASA's Galileo orbiter was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on a mission to study Jupiter and its moons. It became the first spacecraft to orbit Jupiter and conducted detailed observations of the gas giant system.