History for January 2

History for January 2 - On-This-Day.com:
Philip Freneau 175, Isaac Asimov 1920, Roger Miller 1936


Jim Bakker 1939, Cuba Gooding, Jr. 1968, Kate Bosworth 1973


1492 - The leader of the last Arab stronghold in Spain surrendered to Spanish forces loyal to King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I.


1842 - In Fairmount, PA, the first wire suspension bridge was opened to traffic.


1859 - Erastus Beadle published "The Dime Book of Practical Etiquette."


1882 - The Standard Oil Trust agreement was completed and dated. The document transferred the stock and property of more than 40 companies into the control of nine trustees lead by John D. Rockefeller. This was the first example of what became known as a holding company.


1900 - U.S. Secretary of State John Hay announced the Open Door Policy to prompt trade with China.


1942 - The Philippine capital of Manila was captured by Japanese forces during World War II.


1953 - "The Life of Riley" debuted on NBC-TV.


1974 - U.S. President Richard M. Nixon signed a bill requiring all states to lower the maximum speed limit to 55 MPH. The law was intended to conserve gasoline supplies during an embargo imposed by Arab oil-producing countries. Federal speed limits were abolished in 1995.