On this date...

Banastre Tarleton

In 1780, the treatment of Patriot prisoners by British Colonel Banastre Tarleton and his Loyalist troops leads to the coining of a phrase that comes to define British brutality for the rest of the War for Independence: “Tarleton’s Quarter.”

In 1790, Rhode Island became the 13th and final original colony to ratify the United States Constitution.

In 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state of the union.

In 1851, Sojourner Truth delivers powerful speech on African American women’s rights

In 1942, American singer and actor Bing Crosby recorded the holiday classic White Christmas, which became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

In 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to race in the Indianapolis 500, finishing in 29th place.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev began their fourth summit meeting, in Moscow.

In 1999, Discovery became the first space shuttle to dock with the International Space Station.

In 2004, the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was dedicated by President George W. Bush.

In 2005, Danica Patrick becomes first woman to lead Indy 500