Peek at the Past: Today in the nation's history

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2003

Today is the 294th day of 2003 and the 29th day of autumn.

TODAY'S HISTORY

On this day in 1797, the USS Constitution was launched in Boston. The Constitution would go on to earn the nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812.

On this day in 1861, Union troops were defeated in the Battle of Ball's Bluff, the second major battle of the Civil War.

On this day in 1915, AT&T employees in Paris and Arlington, Va., made the first trans-Atlantic radiotelephone call.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Samuel Coleridge (1772-1834), poet; Alfred Nobel (1833-1896), industrialist, inventor and philanthropist; John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie (1917-1993), musician; Carrie Fisher (1956-), actress, is 47.

TODAY'S SPORTS

On this day in 1980, Philadelphia won their first World Series by defeating Kansas City 4-1 in game six.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"I don't care much about music. What I like is sounds." -- Dizzy Gillespie

TODAY'S MOON

Between last quarter (Oct. 18) and new moon (Oct. 25).

Casey Ressler

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