Douglas Wilder

13 January 1990 

On this date in 1990... 

Douglas Wilder of Virginia became the first elected black governor in the U.S. when he took the oath of office in Richmond.

Other Years:

• 1794 - U.S. President George Washington approved adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the union. 
• 1815 - During the War of 1812, British troops captured Fort Peter in St. Marys, Georgia, the only battle of the war to take place in the state.
• 1830 - The Great Fire of New Orleans began.
• 1873 - P.B.S. Pinchback relinquished his office as Louisiana governor during reconstruction.
• 1968 – Johnny Cash performed live at Folsom State Prison.
• 1997 - Debbie Reynolds of El Paso, Texas finally received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Read: Why Know Southern History?

© 2016 Grey Hand Media

All Rights Reserved