On November 10, 1898, Wilmington, North Carolina, witnessed one of the most violent and infamous events in U.S. history: a coordinated assault by a mob of approximately 2,000 white supremacists on the city’s Black community. This attack, later known as the “Wilmington Coup,” resulted in the deaths of numerous African Americans, the burning of Black-owned businesses, and the forced resignation of city leaders at gunpoint. The mob then installed their own government, marking the only successful coup d’état on U.S. soil. This event not only reshaped Wilmington’s political landscape but also sent shockwaves throughout the nation, revealing the violent lengths to which groups would go to undermine African American progress and civil rights.
Other Notable Events on November 10:
– 1775: The United States Marine Corps was founded when the Second Continental Congress authorized two battalions to serve as naval infantry during the Revolutionary War. Since then, the Marine Corps has grown to become a leading force in U.S. military operations worldwide, known for its motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful). Today, Marines are recognized for their versatility, strength, and elite status in combat.
– 1954: The U.S. Marine Corps Memorial was dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Arlington, Virginia. The statue, depicting the iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima during World War II, stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and national pride. It honors the valor of Marines and is a lasting tribute to all who served in the Marine Corps.
– 1969: “Sesame Street,” the groundbreaking educational children’s program, debuted on National Educational Television, now PBS. Created to provide early learning opportunities to young children, especially those from underserved communities, the show revolutionized educational television. Its success spurred a new era of children’s programming focused on social and cognitive development, influencing generations globally.
– 1975: The freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a violent storm on Lake Superior, claiming the lives of all 29 crew members. The tragedy became one of the most notable shipwrecks in Great Lakes history, symbolizing the perilous conditions faced by Great Lakes sailors. Gordon Lightfoot’s song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” immortalized the event, keeping the memory of the crew’s bravery alive.
– 2019: Bolivian President Evo Morales resigned following weeks of massive protests and allegations of election fraud in Bolivia’s recent general election. Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, faced mounting opposition as claims of voting irregularities emerged. His resignation marked a critical juncture for Bolivia, raising questions about political stability and the integrity of democratic institutions in Latin America.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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