This Day in History

In Alaska, in the Nation and the World

In Alaska

• In 1869, the Yukon, the first steamboat to go up the river, reached Fort Yukon.

• In 1938, mining operations ceased at the Kennecott Mine, where thousands of dollars worth of copper had been produced since 1911.

• In 1969, the commissioner of public safety, responding to complaints about the influx of "hippies" into Alaska, urged residents to be more tolerant of young people.

In the nation

• In 1948, President Truman helped dedicate New York International Airport (later John F. Kennedy International Airport) at Idlewild Field.

• In 1964, the American space probe Ranger 7 reached the moon, where it transmitted pictures of the lunar surface.

• In 1972, Democratic vice-presidential candidate Thomas Eagleton withdrew from the ticket with George McGovern following disclosures Eagleton had once undergone psychiatric treatment.

In the world

• In 1556, St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus - the Jesuit order of Catholic priests and brothers - died in Rome.