TODAY IN HISTORY

Tuesday, December  20, 2011 AP Highlight in History:  On Dec. 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union.   AP Photo/Bruce Smith
On this date in: 1790 The first successful cotton mill in the United States began operating at Pawtucket, R.I. 1803 The Louisiana Purchase was completed as the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans. 1864 Confederate forces evacuated Savannah, Ga., as Union Gen. William T. Sherman continued his "March to the Sea." 1879 Thomas Edison privately demonstrated his incandescent light at Menlo Park, N.J. 1946 The Frank Capra film "It's A Wonderful Life" had a preview showing for charity at New York City's Globe Theatre, a day before its official premiere. AP Photo 1963 The Berlin Wall was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays. 1976 Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley died at age 74. 1989 The United States sent troops into Panama to topple the government of Manuel Noriega. AP Photo/John Gaps III 1999 The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples are entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded couples. 2002 Trent Lott resigned as Senate Republican leader two weeks after igniting a political firestorm with racially charged remarks. 2005 New York City transit workers began a three-day strike.		Video Highlights of This Day in History Today's Birthdays: New York Mets third baseman David Wright turns 29 years old today. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky Name Profession Age John Hillerman Actor ("Magnum P.I.") 79 Jean Carnahan Former U.S. senator, D-Mo. 78 Peter Criss Rock musician (Kiss) 66 Uri Geller Illusionist 65 Sonny Perdue Former governor of Georgia 65 Dick Wolf TV producer ("Law and Order" shows) 65 Alan Parsons Rock musician 63 Billy Bragg Rock singer 54 Chris Robinson Rock singer (The Black Crowes) 45 Roy Williams Football player 30 David Cook Singer ("American Idol") 29 JoJo Singer 21 Actor Jonah Hill turns 28 years old today. AP Photo/Evan Agostini