Trailblazing female tennis star Billie Jean King beat former men’s champ, Bobby Riggs, in a highly publicized match, the so-called “Battle of the Sexes,” on this day in history, Sept. 20, 1973. The made-for-TV sports spectacle proved a watershed moment in the fight for women’s equality in athletics. King won the tennis match in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3) before …
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A prophetic father of his country, President George Washington issued his Farewell Address as he approached the end of his second term in office on this day in history, Sept. 19, 1796. He triumphantly celebrated the burgeoning young nation and his role in its creation, while soberly warning of the threat posed by regional and sectarian division. “In looking forward …
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The geyser Old Faithful was first documented and named on this day in history, Sept. 18, 1870, by the explorer Nathanial Langford. Langford, who was exploring Yellowstone Park as part of the Washburn-Doane-Langford expedition, wrote in his journal that he had spotted a geyser that erupted quite frequently. “It spouted at regular intervals nine times during our stay, the columns …
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The American Legion, an organization of U.S. war veterans, was issued a federal charter by Congress on this day in history on Sept. 16, 1919, for its continued aid to wounded warriors and military families, legacy of community volunteerism and significant role in establishing important national legislation, according to the official website of The American Legion. The American Legion also …
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It was characterized as too risky, too dangerous, too out-of-the-question — but ultimately, that didn’t deter the United States of America or Gen. Douglas MacArthur, for that matter. Just months after the Korean War began and with brilliant scheduling and coordination, U.S. Marines landed at Inchon on the west coast of Korea on this date in history, Sept. 15, 1950. …
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Francis Scott Key awoke aboard a British warship after watching the terrifying 25-hour bombardment of Fort McHenry — and, by dawn’s early light, was stunned to find that our flag was still there on this day in history, Sept. 14, 1814. The Baltimore attorney, in a fit of patriotic fervor after witnessing the relentless naval attack on his American homeland, …
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The First Continental Congress, a brazen show of both defiance and union by the American colonies on the road to revolution, met on this day in history, Sept. 5, 1774. It was the first time many of the transformative figures in human history known as the Founding Fathers would meet. John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, John Jay and George …
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World War II veteran Steven Melnikoff, who bravely stormed Omaha Beach, made a triumphant return to honor his brothers in arms on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The 104-year-old veteran sat down with Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum in Normandy, France on Tuesday to reflect on his service during a period of immense uncertainty that shaped the course of history. …
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Astronaut Ed White became the first American to walk in space on this day in history, June 3, 1965. White, an engineer, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, a test pilot and NASA astronaut, made the spacewalk — technically known as “Extravehicular Activity” or “EVA” — while serving as the pilot on the Gemini 4 mission. Command pilot …
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Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Pro Football Hall of Fame member James Francis “Jim” Thorpe came into this world on this day in history, May 28, 1888. Born in a one-room cabin in the geographical area that is now Oklahoma, Thorpe was raised by Hiram and Charlotte Vieux Thorpe on the Sac and Fox reservation, according to the Oklahoma Historical …
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