1901- Oil is discovered at Spindletop in Beaumont, Texas.
This Day in History
1870- One of the designers of the Golden Gate Bridge, Joseph Strauss, is born.
1920- The steel strike of 1919 collapses.
1990- For the first time in 800 years, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is closed to the public to begin restoration on the tower’s famous tilt.
1942- The Pacific Clipper finishes the first flight around the world.
1987- 12 die in a train derailment in Maryland.
1849- Benjamin Holt, inventor of the tractor, is born.
2004- Taipei 101 Tower opens
1861- US banks stop payments in gold
1837- Steam-powered threshing machine is patented.