Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.
Jan
17
Jan
21
On January 21, 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter grants an unconditional pardon to hundreds of thousands of men who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War.
(Original Caption) President Carter is about to address the nation from the White House on his energy proposals.
Bettmann Archive
Mar
27
Apr
11
Apr
26
May
25
On May 25, 1977, Memorial Day weekend opens with an intergalactic bang as the first of George Lucas’ blockbuster Star Wars movies hits American theaters.
In this This Day in History video, take a look at May 25, the day in 1787 when the Constitution was drafted at the Constitutional Convention and the day in 1935 when Babe Ruth hit his final home run. May 25th was also the day in 1977 when Star Wars opened and started a movie franchise.
Jun
16
Jul
02
Aug
10
On August 10, 1977, police arrest 24-year-old postal employee David Berkowitz and charged him with being the “Son of Sam,” the serial killer who terrorized New York City for more than a year, killing six young people and wounding seven others with a .44-caliber revolver. Because Berkowitz generally targeted attractive young women with long brown hair, hundreds of young women had their hair cut short and dyed blonde during the time he terrorized the city. Thousands more simply stayed home at night.
A police mug shot showing convicted New York City serial killer David Berkowitz, known as the ‘Son of Sam.’
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Sep
10
Sep
16
Oct
14
Nov
05
Nov
06
Dec
12
Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.
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