Today in History

Today is Tuesday, Jan. 10, the 10th day of 2012. There are 356 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On Jan. 10, 1776, Thomas Paine anonymously published his influential pamphlet, "Common Sense," which argued for American independence from British rule.

On this date:

In 1860, the Pemberton Mill in Lawrence, Mass., collapsed and caught fire, killing up to 145 people, mostly female workers from Scotland and Ireland.

In 1861, Florida became the third state to secede from the Union.

In 1862, American inventor Samuel Colt, famed for his revolver, died in Hartford, Conn., at age 47.

In 1870, John D. Rockefeller incorporated Standard Oil.

In 1901, the Spindletop oil field in Beaumont, Texas, produced the Lucas Gusher, heralding the start of the Texas oil boom.

In 1920, the League of Nations was established as the Treaty of Versailles went into effect.

In 1946, the first General Assembly of the United Nations convened in London.

In 1947, the musical fantasy "Finian's Rainbow," with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, opened on Broadway.

In 1957, Harold Macmillan became prime minister of Britain, following the resignation of Anthony Eden.

In 1962, an ice avalanche on Nevado Huascaran in Peru resulted in some 4,000 deaths. John W. McCormack became speaker of the House, succeeding the late Samuel T. Rayburn.

In 1971, "Masterpiece Theatre" premiered on PBS with host Alistair Cooke introducing the drama series "The First Churchills." French fashion designer Coco Chanel died in Paris at age 87.

In 1982, actor-comedian Paul Lynde died in Beverly Hills, Calif., at age 55.

Ten years ago: Marines began flying hundreds of al-Qaida prisoners in Afghanistan to a U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The White House revealed that Enron Corp. had sought the administration's help shortly before collapsing with the life savings of many workers. Todd Eldredge won his sixth U.S. Figure Skating Championship title.

Five years ago: President George W. Bush said he took responsibility for any mistakes in Iraq and announced an increase in U.S. troops there to quell violence. The Democratic-controlled House voted 315-116 to increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour.

One year ago: The nation got its first look at Jared Loughner, the accused assailant of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, as a federal judge in Phoenix ordered the 22-year-old suspect held without bail. A judge in Austin, Texas, ordered former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to serve three years in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally funnel corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. (DeLay remains free on bond as he appeals.) No. 1 Auburn beat No. 2 Oregon 22-19 on a last-second field goal to win the BCS national title. Singer Margaret Whiting, 86, died in Englewood, N.J.

Today's Birthdays: Opera singer Sherrill Milnes is 77. Blues artist Eddy Clearwater is 77. Rock singer-musician Ronnie Hawkins is 77. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Willie McCovey is 74. Singer Scott McKenzie is 73. Movie director Walter Hill is 72. Singer Frank Sinatra Jr. is 68. Singer Rod Stewart is 67. Rock singer-musician Donald Fagen (Steely Dan) is 64. Actor William Sanderson is 64. International Boxing Hall of Famer and entrepreneur George Foreman is 63. Roots rock singer Alejandro Escovedo is 61. Rock musician Scott Thurston (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) is 60. Singer Pat Benatar is 59. Hall of Fame race car driver and team owner Bobby Rahal is 59. Rock musician Michael Schenker is 57. Singer Shawn Colvin is 56. Rock singer-musician Curt Kirkwood (Meat Puppets) is 53. Actor Evan Handler is 51. Rock singer Brad Roberts (Crash Test Dummies) is 48. Actress Trini Alvarado is 45. Rock musician Matt Roberts (3 Doors Down) is 34. Rock singer Brent Smith (Shinedown) is 34. Rapper Chris Smith (Kris Kross) is 33. Actress Sarah Shahi is 32.

Thought for Today: "I know that I don't know what I don't know." -- Marguerite Youcenar, French author (1903-1987).

Copyright 2012, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.