This Day in History
In Alaska
• In 1959, 40 high schoolers from Cordova to Bethel began the first summer science seminar ever held in Alaska. The three-week seminar was designed to increase interest in science by contact between high school students and working scientists.
• In 1971, record rainfall flooded Granite Creek and destroyed approaches to the Glenn Highway.
In the nation
• In 1821, Missouri became the 24th state.
• In 1846, Congress chartered the Smithsonian Institution, named after English scientist James Smithson, whose bequest of half a million dollars had made it possible.
• In 1874, Herbert Clark Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, was born in West Branch, Iowa.
• In 1949, the National Military Establishment was renamed the Department of Defense.
• In 1969, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were murdered in their Los Angeles home by members of Charles Manson's cult, one day after actress Sharon Tate and four other people were slain.
• In 1977, postal employee David Berkowitz was arrested in Yonkers, N.Y., accused of being "Son of Sam," the gunman responsible for six slayings and seven woundings.