1846 – Open conflict begins over the disputed border of Texas, triggering the Mexican-American War.
1862 – Forces under Admiral David Farragut demand the surrender of the Confederate city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
1898 – Spanish-American War: The United States declares war on Spain.
1901 – New York becomes the first state to require automobile license plates.
1945 – Founding negotiations for the United Nations begin in San Francisco.
1953 – Francis Crick and James Watson published their paper describing the double helix structure of DNA.
1967 – The first law legalizing abortion in the U.S. was signed into law by Colorado Gov. John Love.
1983 – Pioneer 10 travels beyond Pluto’s orbit.
