On this day: February 21
POSTED: 09:46 PM PST Feb 20, 2013
UPDATED: 11:00 PM PST Feb 20, 2013
The Washington Monument is dedicated, Alka-Seltzer is sold for the first time, the peace symbol is born, Malcolm X is assassinated, and Nixon heads to China, all on this day.
National Archives and Records Administration
1972: President Richard Nixon visits the People's Republic of China to normalize Sino-American relations. It marked the first time a U.S. president had visited the country, which at that time considered the U.S. one of its staunchest foes. During the week-long visit, Nixon and his advisers engaged in substantive discussions with China's leaders, including a meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong, while first lady Pat Nixon toured schools, factories and hospitals with the American press corps in tow.
