1789—The first presidency of the United States begins as George Washington is inaugurated at Federal Hall in New York City. (National Archives)
1803—America's western border shifts west to the Rocky Mountains as the Louisiana Purchase is completed in a $15 million deal with France. (Monticello)
1933—Musician and biofuels advocate Willie Nelson is born in Abbott, Texas.
1939—The New York World's Fair opens with the theme "Building the World of Tomorrow." Attractions include General Motors' "Futurama," an imagining of America in 1960. Another pavilion features a demonstration of television. (U.S.News & World Report)
1975—The war in Vietnam comes to an end as South Vietnamese President Duong Van Minh surrenders to Communist forces. As Saigon falls, thousands are evacuated from the American Embassy by helicopter. (U.S.News & World Report)
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