Kurt Schmoke becomes the first African-American mayor of Baltimore.

Entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. born in New York City.

President Abraham Lincoln announces plan for Reconstruction of South after the Civil War.

Lucy Stanton of Cleveland graduates from Oberlin College, becoming the first black female to graduate from a major college or university.

Dorie Miller, a messman in the U.S. Navy, shoots down four Japanese planes during attach on Pearl Harbor.

Lee Brown becomes first black mayor of Houston, Texas.

Richard Francis Jones becomes first African American certified in urology.

Richard B. Spikes patents automatic gearshift for cars.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, banning slavery.

Abolitionist Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery in Maryland.