Today in History

The euro, the new money of 11 European nations, goes into effect on the continent of Europe.

As the United States builds its strength in the Mediterranean, Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi threatens to retaliate if attacked.

Fidel Castro seizes power in Cuba as General Fulgencio Batista flees.

In Operation Bodenplatte, German planes attack American forward air bases in Europe. This is the last major offensive of the Luftwaffe.

At a party at the Hormel Mansion in Minnesota, a guest wins $100 for naming a new canned meat–Spam.

Sadi Lecointe sets a new aviation speed record flying an average of 208 mph at Istres.

J.D. [Jerome David] Salinger, U.S. novelist (The Catcher in the Rye, Franny and Zooey).

The first gasoline pipeline begins operation. Along the 40 miles and three inches of pipe from Salt Creek to Casper, Wyoming.

The German submarine U-24 sinks the British battleship Formidable in the English Channel.

The Pure Food and Drug Act becomes law in the United States.

J. Edgar Hoover, founding director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Facilities opened on Ellis Island, New York, to cope with the vast flood of immigrants coming into the United States.

E.M. [Edward Morgan] Forster, English novelist (A Passage to India, A Room With a View).

President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves in the Confederacy.