(1851) Massive fire devastates Library of Congress |
---|
 |
A large fire ravages the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, destroying about two-thirds of the collection, including books from Thomas Jefferson’s personal library. Congress will open its wallets to replace the lost volumes over the next several years. |
|
(1865) Ku Klux Klan is founded in Tennessee |
---|
 |
In the aftermath of the Civil War, several Confederate veterans establish the secret vigilante group to threaten and murder freed blacks and their supporters and to restore white supremacy. The name reportedly is derived from the Greek word for circle, “kyklos.” Soon the KKK will spread to every state in the American South. |
|
(1955) NORAD’s newest mission: Tracking Santa |
---|
 |
An ad in a Colorado newspaper gives children Santa’s phone number, but a misprint routes calls to a red phone at the NORAD air defense command center. Strait-laced Col. Harry Shoup adjusts on the fly and tells staff to give the kids Santa’s “current location.” A tradition is born. |
|
(1979) Soviet Union invades Afghanistan |
---|
 |
Soviet forces enter the country under the guise of enforcing the Soviet-Afghan Friendship Treaty. Soon the Soviets will control Kabul and other cities, though guerilla fighters, the mujahidin, will hold onto the countryside. After nine years, the Soviets will withdraw, defeated. |
|
DIH v2.11.d16 |