1908: Author and activist Julia Ward Howe, famous for "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

1909: The United States ended direct control over Cuba.

1915: The Coast Guard was created by an act of Congress.

1986: The space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, killing all seven crew members.

Do you have suggestions for additions to this date? If so, please write and say so - let's make this the most informative calendar possible!