Today's Highlight in History

On June 24th, 1908, the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, Grover Cleveland, died in Princeton, New Jersey, at age 71.

On this date:

In 1497, the first recorded sighting of North America by a European took place as explorer John Cabot spotted land, probably in present-day Canada.

In 1509, Henry the Eighth was crowned king of England.

In 1793, the first republican constitution in France was adopted.

In 1842, author-journalist Ambrose Bierce was born in Meigs County, Ohio.

In 1915, more than 800 people died when the excursion steamer "Eastland" capsized at Chicago's Clark Street dock.

In 1940, France signed an armistice with Italy during World War Two.

In 1948, Communist forces cut off all land and water routes between West Germany and West Berlin, prompting the western allies to organize the massive Berlin Airlift.

In 1968, "Resurrection City," a shantytown constructed as part of the Poor People's March on Washington DC, was closed down by authorities.