On this day in history, June 1, 1967, the Fab Four β aka the Beatles β released their 8th studio album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," an artistic musical accomplishment still hailed today.
Clint Eastwood, one of the great creative talents in cinematic history, was born on this day in history, May 31, 1930, in San Francisco, California. Here are details about the actor-director.
The first Decoration Day was held on this day in history, May 30, 1868, as a precursor to Memorial Day, a day of remembrance to honor all those who died in war in service to our nation.
African American abolitionist and women's right advocate Sojourner Truth delivered her famous "Ain't I a Woman?" speech on this day in history, May 29, 1851, in Akron, Ohio.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and legendary athlete Jim Thorpe was born on this day in history, May 28, 1888, in what is now Oklahoma. Thorpe played professional football and baseball.
The Golden Gate Bridge, a feat of engineering, opened to pedestrians on this day in history, May 27, 1937. An estimated 200,000 people paid $0.25 each to cross the bridge.
John Wayne, the iconic actor, was born in Iowa on this day in history, May 26, 1907 β and went on appear in a myriad of films, starring in dozens of Westerns over the years.
On this day in history, May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge opened in New York City as the world's longest suspension bridge. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and is a National Historic Landmark.
On this day in history, Sgt. William Carney received the Congressional Medal of Honor β the first African American so honored β for his protection of the American flag during the Civil War.
Johnny Carson was for years the king of late-night TV β and on this day in history, May 22, 1992, he hosted his final episode of "The Tonight Show," drawing some 50 million viewers.
American nurse Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross on this day in history, May 21, 1881. She led the organization until 1904, when she retired to her Maryland home.
Aviator Charles Lindbergh took off on his historic transatlantic flight on this day in history, May 20, 1927. He would not land until 33-and-a-half hours later.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died on this day in history, May 19, 1994. The former first lady was a style icon and talented in her own right; she unwaveringly supported husband John Kennedy's ideals.
Mount St. Helens erupted on this day in history, May 18, 1980, triggering the largest landslide in recorded history. A total of 57 people lost their lives in the tumult.
The U.S Supreme Court declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case on this day in history, May 17, 1954.
On this day in history, May 16, 1986, "Top Gun" is released β and after rising to the top of the charts, it went on to become a Hollywood movie classic of the big screen.
President John Adams ordered the federal government to pack up offices in Philadelphia and move to the new home in Washington, D.C., on this day in history, May 15, 1800.
Skylab, America's first space station, was launched into orbit on this day in history in 1973. The space station was damaged during liftoff, but the astronauts repaired it.
Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt by a Turkish gunman on this day in history, May 13, 1981. The pope would go on to forgive his would-be killer.
The Rolling Stones recorded "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" after guitarist Keith Richards captured the riff in his sleep on this day in history, May 12, 1965.
Irving Berlin was born on this day in history, May 11, 1888. The composer would go on to write 800 songs, many of them American classics, after starting his career as a boy singing in the streets.
Joan Crawford, known for her Oscar-winning role in "Mildred Pierce," a feud with co-star Bette Davis and controversial relationships with her kids, died on this day in history, May 10, 1977.
On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that mothers should be honored with flags flying at all government buildings. Later celebratory forms followed, including flowers and gifts.
President Harry S. Truman, on this day in history, May 8, 1945, announced to the American people that Germany's forces had surrendered in World War II β marking the end of the war in Europe.
The song Hotel California hit number one on this day in history, May 7, 1977. The enigmatic lyrics of the rock song has led to many theories about its meaning.
The 181st episode of "I Love Lucy," titled "The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue," aired on this day in history, May 6, 1957. The now-iconic TV sitcom ran for six seasons in its original run.
Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young hurled the first perfect game of the World Series era for the Boston Americans, later the Red Sox, on this day in history, May 5, 1904.
Margaret Thatcher became the United Kingdom's first female prime minister on this day in history, May 4, 1979, at age 54 β and led the U.K. for nearly 12 years, earning the moniker "Iron Lady."
Margaret Mitchell earned a Pulitzer Prize in Novels for her Civil War epic "Gone with the Wind" on this day in history, May 3, 1937. She died tragically at age 48.