This Day in History for April 27: Sultana Steamboat Disaster & More

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:

1865 – The steamboat Sultana explodes on the Mississippi River and kills 1,700 passengers, many of whom were discharged Union soldiers (More info)

1956 – Rocky Marciano becomes the only heavyweight boxing champion to retire with a perfect record (More info)

1974 – Thousands march in Washington, DC, calling for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon (More info)

1987 – Austrian president Kurt Waldheim, accused of aiding in the execution of thousands of Jews during World War II, is barred from entering the United States (More info)

2006 – Construction begins on the Freedom Tower for the new World Trade Center in New York City (More info)