The Salem witch hunt began in 1692, leading to the accusation of over 150 people for witchcraft and the execution of 19. Other events include the ratification of the Statute of the Confederation in 1781, the establishment of Yellowstone Park in 1872, and the birth of jazz musician Glenn Miller in 1904.
The Salem witch hunt began. (1692) Three girls were brought to court this day on charges of witchcraft, sparking the months-long hysteria of the Salem Witch Hunts. Ultimately more than 150 people were accused of satanic practices and 19 were executed.
The Statute of the Confederation has been ratified. (1781) The Articles of Confederation were America’s first constitution and marked the first time all the colonies united as one nation. They were due to be ratified in 1777, but Maryland held out for four years before signing.
The Lindbergh baby has been kidnapped. (1932) The kidnapping became a major media event as pilot Charles Lindbergh was an international celebrity. The child was killed, but the kidnapper was eventually caught and executed, and the kidnapping became a federal crime in the United States.
The Peace Corps is born. (1961) The Peace Corps was established by President Kennedy to send Americans overseas to help other countries with development. The program was very popular in the beginning and thousands of people volunteered. Since that time, nearly 200,000 people have volunteered for the Peace Corps in more than 130 countries.
Yellowstone Park was established. (1872) Yellowstone Park was established by President Ulysses S. Grant and was the first public national park. It remains a popular tourist spot today for its pristine landscape and famous geyser, Old Faithful.
The first parachute jump from a moving aircraft took place. (1912) Albert Berry, one of two men credited as the first parachutists, made his jump from a moving aircraft on this day. The parachute wasn’t actually tethered to Berry, but he sat on a metal bar underneath it and, according to records, he fell more than a third to the ground before it deployed.
The first FM radio station in the US started broadcasting. (1941) W47NV began operating in Nashville, TN on this day as the first modern FM radio station. Although FM radio had been used in demonstrations and experiments since the 1930s, the W47NV was the first to broadcast commercial material, as well as the first to be licensed by the FCC.
The United States got its first incorporated city. (1642) Georgeana, Massachusetts – today’s York, Maine – was incorporated on this day by an edict from King Charles I. It operated as a trading site for years before becoming a popular resort area in the 20th century.
The French Wars of Religion began. (1562) Wars of Religion took place between Catholic and Protestant – Huguenot – forces in France on and off for nearly 40 years. Although the Huguenots were eventually granted substantial rights, tensions lingered in the country for years.
Glenn Miller was born. (1904) Miller was one of the first great jazz musicians and a highly influential big band leader. He was also the first person to win a gold record for his recording “Chattanooga Choo Choo”. He disappeared across the English Channel during World War II and his body has never been found.
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