1794 – President George Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the union.
1888 – The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C.
1966 – Robert C. Weaver became the first African American Cabinet member as he was appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
1968 – Johnny Cash performs live at Folsom State Prison.
1990 – Douglas Wilder becomes the first elected African American governor as he takes office in Virginia.
1999 – Michael Jordan announced his retirement.
2012 – The Italian luxury liner Costa Concordia ran aground off the Tuscan island of Giglio and flipped onto its side. 32 people were killed.
2018 – A false emergency alert warning of an impending missile strike in Hawaii caused widespread panic in the state.
