1775.

A key moment during the American Revolution: General George Washington takes command of the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

1988The USS Vincennes mistakenly shoots down an Iranian jetliner over the Persian Gulf. All 290 people aboard are killed. United States later agrees to pay nearly 62 million dollars in compensation . 1962Algeria gains independence from French rule after nearly a decade of fighting in the North African country.Also that same year, Show me the money! Jerry'd better  show me the money. Actor Tom Cruise is born in Syracuse, New York. Among his movie roles, Risky Business, Top Gun, Rain man, Jerry Maguire and the Mission Imposible series.

And in 1971 Come on baby light my fire,try to set the night on fire.

Rock singer Jim Morrison of the Doors dies in Paris. Morrison, an icon of the 60s counterculture was 27.

Today in history, July 3rd. Sandy Kozel, the Associated Press.