It was on this date in 1945 that the Chinese Civil War started between communist and national fractions in the country. And it was on this date in 1975 that Saturday Night Live premiered.

It was on this date in 1871 that the Great Chicago Fire started in the barn of Patrick and Catherine O'Leary. The fire lasted two days and killed 300 people. And it was on this date in 1918 that U.S. Army Sgt. Alvin York lead an attack on a German machine-gun nest, killing at least 25 enemy soldiers and capturing 132 prisoners during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive during World War I. York would later receive the Medal of Honor for his actions.

It was on this date in 1916 that Georgia Tech defeated Cumberland by a score of 222 - 0 in a college football game. And it was on this date in 2003 that Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected Governor of California.

It was on this date in 1979 that Pope John Paul II became the first pope to visit the White House. And it was on this date in 1993 that Michael Jordan announced his retirement from the NBA. Jordan would return to the Chicago Bulls 17 months later.

It was on this date in 1945 that the radio show American Mercury Presents Meet the Press premiered. Shortly after it moved to television, the title was shortened to Meet the Press. It has since gone on to become the longest-running television show of all time. And it was on this date in 1956 that The Ten Commandments premiered in theaters.

It was on this date in 1927 that Gutzon Borglum began constructing the Presidential faces on Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. And it was on this date in 1988 that televangelist Jim Bakker was indicted on eight counts of mail fraud, fifteen counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy.

It was on this date in 1864 when John Summerfield Staples was approached by a representative of President Abraham Lincoln. He was given $500 to fight in the US Civil War as a substitute for the President. And it was on this date in 1888 that The National Geographic was first published.

It was on this date in 1846 that Boston pre-med dental student, William Morten became the first to use ether to anesthetize a patient. And it was on this date in 1991 that The Jerry Springer Show debuted on television.

It was on this date in 1916 that John D. Rockefeller became the world's first billionaire. And it was on this date in 1966 that the Chevrolet Camaro was introduced to the public.

It was on this date in 1781 that Gen. George Washington's army left their encampment near New York and went South to begin their siege at Yorktown. And it was on this date in 1963 that the Shari Lewis show finished its run on NBC.