On this day in 1960, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was established as the first underwater nature preserve in the United States. 

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On this day in 1863, American folk hero Casey Jones was born in southeastern Missouri. 

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On this day in 1877, amateur inventor Chester Greenwood received a patent for his new and improved style of earmuffs.

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On this day in 1868, Prince Alfred of Edinburgh survived an attempt on his life during a visit to Sydney, Australia.

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On this day in 1961, Mattel introduced the Ken doll at the International Toy Fair in New York City. 

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On this day in 1917, the U.S. Senate adopted a rule that allowed a two-thirds majority to cut off debate and force a vote.

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On this day in 1955, American comedian Phyllis Diller made her professional debut at the Purple Onion nightclub in San Francisco. 

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On this day in 1836, the Mexican army defeated a group of Texas rebels at the Battle of the Alamo.

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On this day in 1963, the Wham-O toy company received a patent for the Hula Hoop. 

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On this day in 1952, American writer Ernest Hemingway finished the manuscript for his classic novella “The Old Man and the Sea.” 

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