This Day in History for December 20 — Elvis Drafted Into Army, and More

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

1803: The Louisiana Purchase is completed at a ceremony in New Orleans (more info)

1860: South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the United States (more info)

1946: The classic holiday film 'It's a Wonderful Life' premieres in New York City (more info)

1957: At the height of his popularity, Elvis Presley is drafted by the U.S. Army (more info)

1989: The United States sends troops into Panama to overthrow the government of Manuel Noriega, marking the first combat use of purpose-designed stealth aircraft (more info)