On this day: August 21
Lincoln and Douglas square off for the first time, Oldsmobile begins production, Hawaii becomes a state and The Mona Lisa and the Mars Observer go missing, all on this day.
1992: The Ruby Ridge Standoff begins near Randy Weaver's cabin in Idaho with a fire fight between U.S. marshals and Weaver's son Sammy and Weaver's friend Kevin Harris. Weaver (pictured), a fugitive on an illegal weapon charge, would end up surrendering after an 11-day standoff that left his son, his wife Vicki, their family dog "Striker" and Deputy U.S. Marshal William Francis Degan dead. Weaver was ultimately acquitted of all charges except missing his original court date and violating his bail conditions, for which he was sentenced to 18 months and fined $10,000. Credited with time served, Weaver spent an additional four months in prison.
