Daily History

The funeral train carrying Abraham Lincoln leaves Washington, D.C. for its journey to Springfield, Illinois.

Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," the first detective story, is published in Graham’s Magazine.

The American Revolution begins with the "shot heard around the world" in Lexington, Massachusetts.

A massive earthquake strikes San Francisco, killing 3,000 people and destroying 30,000 buildings.

The Ford Mustang is unveiled at the New York World's Fair; 22,000 are sold on the first day.

Motown singer Marvin Gaye is shot and killed by his father.

Charles Dickens publishes the first installment of "The Pickwick Papers".

King George III endorses the New England Restraining Act.

The Dow Jones industrial average closes above 10,000 for the first time.

The funeral of Guillotin, the namesake of the execution device, takes place in France.

Two Yoshina cherry trees are planted in Washington, D.C., a gift from Japan.

Police discover 39 victims of the "Heaven's Gate" mass suicide in California.

British Parliament passes the Boston Port Act, closing the port until tea is paid for.

Elvis Presley is inducted into the U.S. Army.

Thomas Harris delivers the manuscript for the novel "Hannibal".