8-1-12: Today in History

[Rockntractor]

Lead Story
Texans head for the thrills at Six Flags, 1961
American Revolution
Joseph Priestley discovers oxygen, 1774
Automotive
First drive-through ATM opens in China, 2007
Civil War
Sheridan takes command of Army of the Shenandoah, 1864
Cold War
Helsinki Final Act signed, 1975
Crime
An ex-Marine goes on a killing spree at the University of Texas, 1966
Disaster
Mysterious flood strikes North Vietnam, 1971
General Interest
Columbus lands in South America, 1498
First World War erupts, 1914
Warsaw Revolt begins, 1944
Hollywood
MTV launches, 1981
Literary
Pope John Paul II receives record-breaking advance, 1994
Music
MTV makes its maiden broadcast, 1981
Old West
Shane released by Paramount, 1953
Presidential
Bush is suspended from flying with the Air National Guard, 1972
Sports
Michael Johnson brings home second gold, 1996
Vietnam War
North Vietnamese accuse South Vietnam and the United States of attack, 1964
World War I
First World War erupts in Europe, 1914
World War II
PT-109 sinks; Lieutenant Kennedy is instrumental in saving crew, 1943

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

[Retread]

1731 - Capt. Juan Antonio Pérez de Almazán presided over what was probably the first election in Texas history at the San Antonio de Béxar Presidio. Voters chose officials for the municipal government of San Fernando.

1839 - In Austin, the new capital of Texas, the first sale of town lots was held.

1845 - U.S. troops under General Zachary Taylor landed on St. Joseph Island to protect Texas from Mexican interference after annexation. On July 26, the U.S. flag was raised by a detachment from the main force.

1923 - Niles City was annexed to Fort Worth. This took place after the Texas Legislature had passed a bill that allowed cities of more than 50,000 people to absorb neighboring towns of less than 2,000.

1985 - At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, 137 people were killed when a Delta Air Lines jumbo jet crashed while attempting to land.