Today in History

Frank Robinson of the Cleveland Indians becomes first black manager of a major league baseball team.

Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.

Bay of Pigs invaders get thirty years imprisonment in Cuba.

Barbara Kingsolver, novelist (The Bean Trees, Animal Dreams).

President Truman orders the seizure of U.S. steel mills to prevent a strike.

The Soviets open a rail link to the besieged city of Leningrad.

Italy invades Albania.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) is approved by Congress.

Betty Bloomer Ford, first lady to President Gerald Ford.

Carmen McRae, jazz vocalist and pianist.

The 17th Amendment is ratified, requiring direct election of senators.

British General Horatio Kitchener defeats the Khalifa, leader of the dervishes in Sudan, at the Battle of Atbara.

Edgar “Yip” Harburg, lyricist (“Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?,” “Over the Rainbow”).

General Robert E. Lee‘s retreat is cut off near Appomattox Court House.

In the Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana, Federals are routed by Confederate Gen. Richard Taylor.

Some 300 American troops of the 6th Infantry leave Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to confront the Sauk Indians in what would become known as the Black Hawk War.

The U.S. House of Representatives holds its first meeting.

Lewis Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Philip IV, king of Spain and Portugal (1621-65).

Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism.