At dusk, the biggest power failure in U.S. history occurs as all of New York state, portions of seven neighboring states, and parts of eastern Canada are plunged into darkness. The Great Northeast Blackout began at the height of rush hour, delaying millions of commuters, trapping 800,000 people in New York's subways, and stranding thousands more in office buildings, elevators, and trains. Ten thousand National Guardsmen and 5,000 off-duty policemen were called into service to prevent looting.
Berlin Wall Built
Just past midnight during the night of August 12-13, 1961, East German soldiers and construction workers headed to the border of West and East Berlin. While most Berliners were sleeping, the workers quickly constructed a barrier made of concrete posts and barbed wire along the border.
Alcatraz Escape
John Paul Scott and Darl Parker were the last prisoners to try to escape Alcatraz. Parker was discovered on December 16 ona small rock near the island and returned. Scott, who had tried to swim towards San Francisco, was pulled out to the sea by the strong currents. He was found suffering from shock and hypothermia near Fort Point and was taken to the Presidio Army hospital before he was returned to the Rock.
We landed on the moon!
On July 20, 1969, man landed on the moon. The event represented the apex of human technological development. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first two to walk on the lunar surface while Michael Collins orbited the moon. Several moon landings followed. Since 1972, no one has returned. The world has lost nearly 40 years dawdling over the space program.