25 Years Ago

February 2, 1979 Sid Vicious, formerly of the notorious British punk-rock band the Sex Pistols, dies of an overdose of heroin at a party in New York City. The party followed his release on bail after being jailed for the stabbing murder of his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen.

March 26, 1979 In the NCAA basketball championship, Michigan State, led by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, defeats Indiana State, led by Larry Bird, 75-64.

50 YEARS AGO

February 23, 1954 Dr. Jonas Salk begins inoculating children against polio with his vaccine.

March 1, 1954 Members of a Puerto Rican nationalist group open fire in the House of Representatives and wound five Congressmen.

75 YEARS AGO

February 14, 1929 In what is dubbed the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, a hit squad sent by Al Capone kills seven rival gangsters in a Chicago garage.

100 YEARS AGO

March 14, 1904 The Supreme Court rules that the Northern Securities Company is an illegal combination under the terms of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The decision, which had been eagerly sought by President Theodore Roosevelt, earns him a reputation as a “trust buster.”

225 YEARS AGO

February 25, 1779 Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark accepts the surrender of a British garrison at Vincennes, in present-day Indiana.

March 3, 1779 The Royal Army regains control of Georgia by routing a Continental force at Briar Creek. About 200 Continentals die in the engagement, some after being shot and some by drowning in the Savannah River while attempting to flee.