On this day: August 17
POSTED: 08:14 PM PDT Aug 16, 2012
UPDATED: 11:00 PM PDT Aug 16, 2012
Davy Crockett is born, George Orwell publishes his classic novel, the Berlin Wall claims its first victim, Bill Clinton admits to an "improper physical relationship" and Michael Phelps sets a new Olympic mark, all on this day.
Smithsonian Institution
1978: Double Eagle II becomes the first balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean when it lands in Miserey near Paris, 137 hours and six minutes after leaving Presque Isle, Maine. The gondola (pictured) is now on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum annex at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
