May 26
1521
Martin Luther’s writings were banned by the Edict of Worms.
1868
President Andrew Johnson avoided conviction for impeachment charges of “high crimes and misdemeanors” by one vote.
1940
Allied troops began the massive naval evacuation of troops from Dunkirk, France, during World War II.
1959
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Harvey Haddix pitched 12 perfect innings against the Milwaukee Braves before losing, 1–0, in the 13th.
1977
George Willig, “the human fly,” scaled the World Trade Center in New York City by attaching himself to the window washer mechanism and walking straight up until falling into police custody when he reached the top. It took Willig three and a half hours to make the climb, and $1.10 in fines—a penny per floor.
1978
The first legal casino to be operated in the United States outside of Nevada was opened in Atlantic City.
2003
Rwandans voted to approve a new constitution that instituted a balance of power between Hutu and Tutsi.
2011
After more than 50 years of struggle, South Sudan declares independence and becomes Africa’s 54th state.
Birthdays
Sally K. Ride
American astronaut, 1951-2012
Washington Augustus Roebling
engineer (1837)
Isadora Duncan
dancer (1878)
Al Jolson
actor, singer (1886)
Dorothea Lange
photographer (1895)
John Wayne
actor (1907)
Miles Davis
musician (1926)
Stevie Nicks
singer (1948)