June 20
1756
British soldiers were thrown into the cell known as the “Black Hole of Calcutta.”
1782
The Great Seal of the United States was adopted.
1819
The 320-ton Savannah became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.
1837
Queen Victoria ascended the British throne.
1863
West Virginia became the 35th state in the United States.
1893
Lizzie Borden, accused of murdering her parents, was found innocent by a jury in New Bedford, Mass.
1967
Muhammad Ali was convicted of violating Selective Service laws by refusing to be drafted.
Birthdays
Lillian Hellman
1905–84, American dramatist, born in New Orleans.
Jacques Offenbach
composer (1819)
Lloyd Augustus Hall
chemist (1894)
Audie Murphy
actor (1924)
Olympia Dukakis
actress (1931)
José Alexandre “Xanana” Gusmão
revolutionary leader (1946)
Robert Rodriguez
filmmaker (1968)