ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1638, an earthquake was recorded for the very first time in what is now the U.S. in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

• Before the tremor, they were Puritans. But after, most were Quakers.
• It was also the very first time someone uttered the phrase, "Why doest thou shaketh?"
• One pilgrim described it perfectly: "Wow, Plymouth Rocks!"

In 1790, Congress passed the very first copyright law. It actually wasn't their idea: they stole it from a book, word for word.

On this date in 1796, Kentucky became our 16th state... which translates to 32 proof.

It was on this date back in 1813 U.S. Navy gains its motto when the mortally wounded commander of the U.S. frigate Chesapeake, Captain John Lawrence uttered, "Don't give up the ship." At least, they believe he said "ship." The guy playing Battleship with him called John a "poor sport."

On this date in 1877, U.S. troops were authorized to pursue bandits into Mexico. They were promised complete freedom and all the water they could drink.

In 1888, California received its first seismograph, so they could respond appropriately when people asked, "How's it shaking?"

On this date in 1938, the very first "Superman" comic book was published. Finally, parents had something new to complain about their kids wasting all their money on... besides baseball cards.

In 1938, the very first Superman comic hit the stands. That was back when Superman was very young and actually wore a training cape. Until then, no one knew what was faster than a speeding bullet.

On this date in 1957, Don Bowden became the first U.S. runner to break the 4-minute mile. And, the even better news: he caught his bus.

In 1975, a guy by the name of Frank Perkins climbed on top of a flag pole and sat there for 399 days, setting the all-time record. The even better news: by the time he came down, his wife was finally not mad at him.