Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:

1858 – President James Buchanan inaugurates the new transatlantic telegraph cable by exchanging greetings with Queen Victoria of the UK (More info)

1896 – Gold is discovered in a tributary of the Klondike River in Canada, setting off the Klondike Gold Rush (More info)

1966 – The House Un-American Activities Committee begins investigations of Americans who have aided the Viet Cong (More info)

1974 – The Ramones play their first public gig at the legendary CBGB’s in downtown Manhattan (More info)

1977 – Elvis Presley dies at Graceland, his home in Memphis; thousands of fans still hold annual candlelight vigils at the mansion to mark the occasion (More info)

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