Today in History - December 23rd

1783 - On this day in history, George Washington returned home to Mount Vernon, after the disbanding of his army following the Revolutionary War.
1788 - Maryland voted to cede a 100-square-mile area for the seat of the national government. About two-thirds of the area became the District of Columbia.
1852 - Today in history, The Theatre of Celestial John opened on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. It was the first Chinese theatre in the country.
1880 - Thomas Edison incorporated the Edison Electric Light Company of Europe.
1888 - On this day in history, following a quarrel with Paul Gauguin, Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh cut off part of his own earlobe.
1893 - The Engelbert Humperdinck opera "Hansel und Gretel" was first performed.

1913 - Today in history, The Federal Reserve Bill was signed into law by Woodrow Wilson.
1922 - The British Broadcasting Corporation began daily news broadcasts.
1930 - On this day in history, Ruth Elizabeth Davis arrived in Hollywood under contract to Universal Studios. Universal changed her name to Bette Davis.
1942 - Bob Hope agreed to entertain United States airmen in Alaska. It was the first of the traditional Christmas shows.
1997 - Today in history, Terry Nichols was convicted by a Denver jury on charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter in the 1995 federal building bombing in Oklahoma City. The bomb killed 168 people.

SCIENCE, DISCOVERIES, PATENTS - Today in History, December 23rd

1834 - English architect Joseph Hansom patented his "safety cab." better known as the Hansom cab.
1947 - On this day in history, John Bardeen, Walter H. Brattain and William Shockley invented the transistor.

1951 - An NFL championship game was televised nationally for the first time. The Los Angeles Rams beat the Cleveland Browns 24-17.

1959 - Today in history, Chuck Berry was arrested for transporting a minor across a state line for an immoral purpose.
1967 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Foxy Lady" was released.
1969 - On this day in history, Elton John and Bernie Taupin began writing songs together.
1972 - John Lennon's film "Imagine" premiered on national TV.
1974 - Today in history, George Harrison released a holiday single, "Ding Dong, Ding Dong."
1977 - Cat Stevens converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusef Islam.
1978 - On this day in history, Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" was released.