On this date...

In 1765, Parliament passes the Quartering Act. This act required the colonies to house British soldiers in barracks and if they were full in all public housing places like inns and then finally in private residences that were uninhabited or barns and such.

In 1755, In Congress, Washington is appointed to a new committee alongside Samuel Adams to assess the strategic defense of New York, where British troops are expected to arrive soon. Washington’s military reputation, from the days of the French and Indian War, makes him a natural choice for such a responsibility. (Courtesy Mt. Vernon)

In 1800, President John Adams ordered the federal government to move from the temporary capital in Philadelphia to the new District of Columbia.

In 1856, the residents of San Francisco organized a Committee of Vigilance to combat crime in their rapidly growing town.

In 1862, President Lincoln signed an act which established the Department of Agriculture.

In 1918, The first regular airmail route in the United States opened, between New York City and Washington, D.C.

In 1940, In San Bernadino, California, brothers Maurice (“Mac”) and Richard McDonald opened a drive-in restaurant that gave rise to the fast-food chain McDonald's.

In 1940, Nylon stockings first went on sale to the general public, and American stores sold out in days.

In 1942, Legislation that created the Women's Army Corp becomes law.

In 1942, 17 US states put gas rationing in effect.

In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in its In re Gault decision, ruled that juveniles accused of crimes were entitled to the same due process afforded adults.

In 1969, American lawyer and judge Abe Fortas became the first U.S. Supreme Court justice to resign under threat of impeachment.

In 1970, Police kill two students at the Jackson State protest in Mississippi. Twelve additional students were injured.

In 1972, Alabama Gov. George Wallace was wounded and left permanently paralyzed below the waist in an assassination attempt while campaigning for the Democratic Presidential nomination.

In 2009, GE initiated a clean up of the Hudson River which had been polluted by the dumping of chemicals by the company.