What happened on this day in history: Alexander Graham Bell patents the telephone, police attack protesters on "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, Alabama, and more.
161 C.E.: Marcus Aurelius Becomes Emperor Of Rome
Marcus Aurelius becomes the Emperor of Rome upon the death of his adoptive father, Antoninus Pius. Marcus ruled alongside his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus, until Lucius’ death in 169, and he was known as the last of the so-called “Five Good Emperors.” He was also the last emperor of the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace that the Roman Empire had experienced for 200 years.
1765: Joseph Nicéphore Niépce Is Born
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, a French inventor who took the first photo ever taken, is born in Chalon-sur-Saône, France.
1876: Alexander Graham Bell Receives A Patent For The Telephone
Scottish-born American inventor Alexander Graham Bell patents the first telephone, forever changing the future of communication. Bell sought to improve on the concept of Samuel Morse’s telegraph, which had been developed in the 1840s. Aided by Thomas Watson, Bell created a device that used vibrations and electrical currents to replicate a sound across a distance. The first message spoken over the telephone was reportedly, “Mr. Watson, come here, I need you.”
1933: The First Monopoly Game Is Created
The Strong National Museum of PlayAn original Monopoly set from 1933.
American board game designer Charles Darrow creates the first version of Monopoly, which remains one of the most popular games in the world to this day. Monopoly was loosely based on Elizabeth Magie’s The Landlord’s Game. In 1935, Parker Brothers acquired Monopoly and began producing 20,000 sets per week (they also bought Magie’s game to protect their investment). Soon, Darrow was the first game designer in history to become a millionaire due to his creation.
1965: The “Bloody Sunday” Attack Takes Place In Alabama
National ArchivesJohn Lewis (right, wearing light coat) and other marchers just before clashing with police on “Bloody Sunday.”
A civil rights march in Selma, Alabama turns violent when state troopers brutally attack peaceful protesters, injuring dozens of them. The day started with activist John Lewis leading more than 600 people across Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge. As they peacefully marched, police charged at them with bullwhips and billy clubs and fired tear gas at them. The violence was captured on camera and broadcast across the country, strengthening the outcry against racial injustice nationwide.
1971: “Amazon Review Killer” Todd Kohlhepp Is Born
Todd Kohlhepp, later known as the “Amazon Review Killer,” is born in Ft. Lauderdale. Committing violent acts like abduction and rape since his youth, Kohlhepp spent most of his childhood incarcerated. After his release at 30-years-old, Kohlhepp moved to South Carolina and started his own real estate business. It is here where he began committing crimes once again, this time escalating to murder.
Authorities eventually caught him after two people went missing on his property. Upon searching his property, authorities uncovered a chained-up woman in a shipping container. They were able to rescue the woman and arrest Kohlhepp. Authorities found that Kohlhepp had left Amazon reviews for knives, chainsaws, and other items that could have been used in the multiple murders he committed. Later, a jury convicted Kohlhepp and sentenced him to life in prison.
