1777

The Second Continental Congress approved the design of the first “stars and stripes” American flag.

1846

A group of U.S. settlers in Sonoma proclaimed the breakaway state of the California Republic, declaring independence from Mexico.

1919

British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown embarked on the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

1972

The Environmental Protection Agency ordered a ban on domestic use of the pesticide DDT, to take effect at year’s end.

1982

Argentine forces surrendered to British troops on the disputed Falkland Islands.