US President James K. Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico.
The US Congress approved the declaration of war on May 13.
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In Montreal, Canada, a fire broke out after an English merchant put fireplace ashes in his attic for soap-making – not knowing that the cinders were still hot.
Margaret A Brewer became the first female general in the US Marine Corps.
The 'Grease' musical production opened at the Eugene O' Neill Theater in New York City, running for 1,503 performances.
Justin Bieber made his first tweet at 8:27 pm, promoting his single 'One Time.'
Minnesota became the 32nd state to join the United States of America.