1776

The Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia.

1802

The United States Military Academy officially opened at West Point, New York.

1912

The 48-star American flag, recognizing New Mexico statehood, was adopted.

1939

Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees delivered a farewell speech in which he called himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

1987

Klaus Barbie, the former Gestapo chief known as the “Butcher of Lyon,” was convicted by a French court of crimes against humanity.