Events, Births and Deaths Happening on this Date

1776

The second Continental Congress made the term ''United States'' official, replacing ''United Colonies.''

1850

California became the 31st state of the union.

1926

The National Broadcasting Co., NBC, was created by the Radio Corporation of America.

1943

Allied forces landed at Salerno and Taranto during World War II.

1948

The People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was created.

1956

Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on ''The Ed Sullivan Show.''

1957

President Eisenhower signed into law the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction.

1971

Prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, N.Y., beginning a siege that claimed 43 lives. Prison guard Lyn Johnson describes his ordeal as a hostage

1993

PLO leaders and Israel agreed to recognize each other, clearing the way for a peace accord.

1993

Former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos was buried in his homeland, four years after his death in exile.

1997

Sinn Fein, the IRA's political ally, formally renounced violence as it took its place in talks on Northern Ireland's future.

1998

Four tourists who had paid $32,500 each were taken in a tiny submarine to view the wreckage of the Titanic, 2 1/2 miles below the Atlantic off Newfoundland.

1893

Frances Cleveland, wife of President Cleveland, gave birth to a daughter, Esther, in the White House. It was the first time a president's child was born in the executive mansion.

1976

Communist Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung died in Beijing at age 82.

1997

Actor Burgess Meredith died in Malibu, Calif., at age 89.

2024

James Earl Jones, American actor known for film roles and for work in theater. One of the few performers to achieve the EGOT. He has been described as "one of America's most distinguished and versatile" actors for his performances. (b. 1931)