This Day in History

On February 1,1979 Patty Hearst -- a young woman made famous after being brainwashed by her kidnappers and robbing a bank -- was released from prison after serving 22 months for robbing a bank with her captors.

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1870: The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge begins (more info) 1938: The March of Dimes is established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (more info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1879: Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time (more info) 1907: The first New Year's Eve celebration is held in Times Square -- then known as Longacre Square -- in New York City (more info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1776: Thomas Paine publishes one of a series of pamphlets in the Pennsylvania Journal titled 'The American Crisis' (more info) 1777: George Washington's Continental Army goes into winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (more info)

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history: 1941: Following the American declaration of war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Germany and Italy declare war on the United States (more info) 1946: The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is established (more info)