The tree was a prominent local landmark with a long history as a gathering place for political rallies and public hangings.
Plunge into Hell
It was on this day that 12-year-old Todd Domboski of Centralia, Pennsylvania fell into a hot, gaseous void caused by an underground coal fire.
First Photo Op
President James K. Polk posed for the oldest surviving photograph of a sitting president.
The Louisville Sewer Disaster
Manhole covers whizzed through the air. Students were jolted out of their beds. Toilets erupted into fountains of raw sewage.
Landing on an Asteroid
The spacecraft performed a slingshot maneuver around the Earth that propelled it toward its rendezvous with a peanut-shaped rock.
Father of the Grill
George A. Stephen died on this day. He left behind one of the greatest gifts in American history, the Weber grill.
Party of the Century
It's remembered as one of the most extravagant soirees in US history.
Cosmic Crash
It was on this day that two satellites slammed into each other 485 miles out in space.
Margaret's Wild Ride
The pilot gunned the engine and took off, apparently not noticing that Margaret was still attached.
The Theft of Shergar
On this foggy night, Shergar, the famous racehorse and stud was stolen.
Road Trouper
Troup may be most remembered for writing the classic song, "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66." It's a song he wrote while driving from Pennsylvania to California
When the Mississippi Ran Backward
It was on this day that a powerful earthquake rattled New Madrid, Missouri.
First Golf Shot on the Moon
After a couple of slices, Shepard connected on a shot that according to him flew for "miles and miles and miles."
The Man with the X-Ray Eyes
Kuda Bux was a famous Indian mystic who thrilled audiences and baffled scientists.
Missing: Nuclear Bomb
Researchers believe they have narrowed it down to an area the size of a football field.
The Emperor of America
He reigned for 20 years as one of San Francisco's most colorful characters.
The Parachute Cape
It was on this day that an Austrian inventor fell to his death from the Eiffel Tower.
The Four Chaplains
On this day four men of different faiths gave their lives so that others might live.
The Man Behind the Maneuver
Henry Heimlich is credited with the lifesaving abdominal thrust, but that was just one of his contributions to the world.
Great Race of Mercy
On this day a dogsled team completed a 674 mile journey across ice and snow to deliver a life-saving anti-toxin.