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On this day in 1610, astronomer Galileo Galilei sights the moons of Jupiter. His neighbor, Jupiter Genovese, subsequently sues Galilieo for invasion of privacy, voyeurism, and lewd behavior.
On this day in 1789, the first U.S. presidential election is held. Americans vote for electors who, a month later, choose George Washington as their first president after Washington tells the new nation, "I did not chop down that cherry tree." On this day in 1927, commercial transatlantic telephone service is inaugurated between New York and London. No one uses the service until the weekend, when rates are lower. On this day in 1953, outgoing President Harry Truman announces in his last State of the Union address that the United States has developed a hydrogen bomb. Members of congress don't buy it, however, and blame Truman for the foul odor. |