1788

Maryland passed an act to cede an area “not exceeding ten miles square” for the seat of the national government; about two-thirds of the area became the District of Columbia.

1913

The Federal Reserve System was created as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act.

1941

During World War II, American forces on Wake Island surrendered to the Japanese.

1972

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Nicaragua; the disaster claimed some 5,000 lives.

1986

The experimental airplane Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, completed the first non-stop, non-refueled round-the-world flight as it returned safely to Edwards Air Force Base.

1997

A federal jury in Denver convicted Terry Nichols of involuntary manslaughter and conspiracy for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing, declining to find him guilty of murder. (Nichols was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)

Birthdays

Actor Ronnie Schell is 91. Former Emperor Akihito of Japan is 89. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer is 79. Singer-musician Adrian Belew is 73. Rock singer Eddie Vedder is 58. Actor Estella Warren is 44. Actor Elvy Yost is 35. Actor Caleb Foote is 29.