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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A nine-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning during a football coaching session in Blackpool, England.
Minnesota became the 32nd state to join the United States of America.
Ellis Island was added to the Statue of Liberty National monument.
The 'Grease' musical production opened at the Eugene O' Neill Theater in New York City, running for 1,503 performances.
Following the Sega Saturn's success in Japan, the console was released in North America on this day.
