Today in History - November 2nd

1783 - Today in history, General George Washington, later to be the first American President, bided farewell to his army after the American Revolutionary War.
1889 - North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted to the Union as the 39th and 40th states, respectively.
1898 - On this day In history, we celebrate the official birth date of organized cheerleading, which started as an all-male activity.
1944 - Auschwitz began gassing inmates.
1947 - Today in history, Howard Hughes flew the Spruce Goose on its first and only flight.
1948 - Harry S. Truman defeated Thomas E. Dewey to the surprise of pollsters and newspapers, in the greatest presidential upset in history.

1955 - On this day in history, David Ben-Gurion formed Israeli government.
1956 - Israel captured Gaza & Sheham.
1966 - The Cuban Adjustment Act entered force, allowing 123,000 Cubans the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in the United States.
1976 -Today in history, Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford, becoming the first U.S. president from the deep South since the Civil War.
1984 - Velma Margie Barfield, a convicted murderer, became the first woman to be executed since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976.
2000 - On this day in history, the first crew arrived at the International Space Station.
2003 - V. Gene Robinson was consecrated as bishop by the Episcopal Church, becoming the first openly gay bishop in the church.

CULTURE, LIFESTYLE - Today in History, November 2nd

1962 - Today in history, the Elvis Presley film "Girls! Girls! Girls!" premiered.
1963 - The Beach Boys' "Be True To Your School" was released.
1968 - On this day in history, Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life" was released.
1987 - Harrison released "Cloud 9" & McCartney released "All the Best."
1990 - "Graffiti Bridge," Prince's fourth film, co-starring Tevin Campbell and Mavis Staples opened.
2003 - Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs ran in the New York City Marathon. He finished in 4 hours, 14 minutes and 54 seconds. He raised $2 million dollars for children.