Today in History

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Welcome to Today in History. Yesterday we saw some interesting highlights in history, the London Fire and the end of World War II. Today I have four more highlights to share with you. First, and of significant importance to all Americans, and the reason we celebrate our Independence on July 4, comes the Treaty of Paris. Signed by Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens and John Adams of the United States, and David Hartley and Richard Oswald of Great Britain, the United States became free, sovereign and independent according to Article I of the treaty that still remains in force. Now, there's a good reason to celebrate! Next, on this date in history, is another matter of freedom, this one from slavery. In 1838 Frederick Douglass escaped slavery in Maryland, and proved that slaves weren't intellectually incapacitated. After his escape, he became an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and stateman. He also served as the United States Minister Resident to Haiti from June 26, 1889 to July 1891 under President Benjamin Harrison. It is also interesting to note, he was the first African American nominated for Vice-President of the United States, without his approval, as the running mate of Victoria Woodhull on the Equality Rights Party ticket. So all of you who thought Barak Obama, Sarah Palin or Hillary Clinton were first to run, got it wrong. So, did I. It's good to know equality is here to stay. Moving on to our third notable event in history we turn to the world of racing. Particularly, the land speed record broken in 1935 by Major Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE of Great Britain. He broke the land speed record for the first time in 1924 with a record 235.22 km/h at Pendine Sands near Carmarthen Bay in a 350HP V12 Sunbeam. He broke nine land speed records between 1924-1935 with three at Pendine Sands and five at Daytona Beach. He set his final land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utau on this date in 1935, being the first person to drive a car over 300 mph, averaging 301.337 mph or 484.955 km/h in two passes. He also broke water speed records. And Fourth but certainly not least, our final highlight for today deals with the world of music, and someone we have all come to know lovingly as Ole Blue Eyes. Our velvety smooth singer began his life in Hoboken, New Jersey, became part of the swing era of the big bands with Harry James and later with Tommy Dorsey. It was Tommy Dorsey who wanted to sign him to a contract that would mean he would take a good portion of the royalties for our singer for the rest of his life. Of course, I'm talking about Frank Sinatra who wouldn't sign such a contract and went solo on this date in 1942. Frank Sinatra was an American singer, actor, and producer. He was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold 150 million records worldwide. Enjoy his signature song - New York, New York. Thanks for reading.