On This Date...
In 1867: The U.S. bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2m. - about 2 cents an acre.

In 1870: The 15th amendment was rattified, giving black men the right to vote.

In 1981: Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr.; the US president was hit in the chest and seriously wounded, but recovered fully.

In 1993: Charlie Brown from the "Peanuts" comic strip hit his first home run.