|
August 5
1305. William Wallace of Scotland is captured by English forces, and will be transported to London, put on trial, and executed.
1861. In an effort to help finance the Civil War, the federal government levies the first income tax -- 3% of income above $800 per year. The law will be rescinded in 1872.
1864. The Battle of Mobile Bay begins. As part of the Union plan to beat the Confederacy, it had implemented a blockade to prevent ships from leaving or arriving along the Confederate coast, blocking most particularly exports of cotton (which could be sold for hard currency in England and elsewhere), and imports of weapons (the South had very mediocre manufacturing capability, especially regarding weapons). On this day Admiral Farragut determined to seize one of the last remaining large Southern Ports -- Mobile Bay. When another federal ship slowed her charge, Admiral Farragut was reported to have inquired as to why she was doing so. When he learned that it was due to torpedoes (underwater mines, really, in this day and age), he reportedly ordered "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead". More than likely, he never actually said these exact words, but the spirit of charging ahead into the teeth of danger was certainly in keeping with what happened.
1884. The cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty is laid on Bedloe's Island, subsequently renamed Liberty Island.
1914. The first electric traffic light is installed, in Cleveland, Ohio.
1962. Nelson Mandela is imprisoned, where he will remain until 1990.
|