This Day in History – July 2, 2011

1776 Continental Congress resolves “these United Colonies are & of right ought to be Free & Independent States” 1777 Vermont becomes 1st American colony to abolish slavery 1843 An alligator falls from the sky during a Charleston SC thunderstorm 1847 Envelope bearing the 1st US 10 stamps, still exists today 1862 Lincoln signs act granting land for state agricultural colleges 1863 Battle of Gettysburg (2nd day) 1864 Statuary Hall in US Capitol established 1867 1st US elevated railroad begins service, NYC 1881 Pres Garfield shot by Charles J Guiteau a disappointed office-seeker 1902 John J McGraw becomes manager of NY Giants (stays for 30 years) 1921 1st million dollar gate ($1.7m) boxing match (Dempsey KOs Carpentier) 1926 US Army Air Corps created; Distinguish Flying Cross authorized 1932 FDR makes 1st presidential nominating conventional acceptance speech 1937 Amelia Earhart & Fred Noonan disappear over Pacific Ocean 1956 Elvis Presley records “Hound Dog” & “Don’t Be Cruel” 1957 1st sub powered by liquid metal cooled reactor completed-The Seawolf 1957 1st submarine designed to fire guided missiles launched, Grayback 1964 Pres Johnson signs Civil Rights Act 1976 Supreme Court ruled death penalty not inherently cruel or unusual 1982 Larry Walters using lawn chair & 42 helium balloons, rose to 16,000′ 1986 Supreme Court upheld affirmative action in 2 rulings]]]]> ]]>