On this day in history

Air Florida Flight 90 crashes into the Potomac River shortly after takeoff from Washington National Airport, killing 78 people.

Source: Chronicles of History

Johnny Cash performs for inmates at Folsom State Prison in California; the recording becomes one of the best selling live albums ever made.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica

The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C. to increase and spread geographic knowledge.

Source: On This Day

Robert Weaver is sworn in as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, becoming the first Black cabinet member in U.S. history.

Source: Wikipedia

Douglas Wilder takes office as governor of Virginia, becoming the first elected Black governor of a U.S. state.

Source: Chronicles of History

The Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a week of violent uprising against Emperor Justinian I that ends with tens of thousands killed.

Source: On This Day

Emile Zola publishes his open letter J'accuse in defense of Alfred Dreyfus, accusing the French military of antisemitism and a cover up.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica

Henri Farman becomes the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than one kilometer, winning a major aviation prize.

Source: On This Day

Voters in the Saar region choose reunification with Germany in a plebiscite, ending 15 years of League of Nations administration.

Source: KidsKonnect

Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu flees into exile as the Nigerian Civil War effectively ends.

Source: On This Day