A Week in History: Al Capone, Alaska, and John F. Kennedy

A look back at the week in history

Oct. 17, 1931 Gangster Al Capone is convicted of tax evasion and sent to prison in Atlanta, then to Alcatraz.

Oct. 18, 1867 The United States buys Alaska from Russia for less than 2 cents an acre ($7.2 million).

Oct. 19, 1781 Britain's Lord Cornwallis surrenders to George Washington and his French allies at Yorktown.

Oct. 20, 1947 The House Un-American Activities Committee starts hearings on alleged influence or infiltration of Communists in Hollywood.

Oct. 22, 1962 President John F. Kennedy announces evidence of Soviet missiles in Cuba.

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