This Day in History for October 1

1949, Communist Party Chairman Mao Tse-tung raised the first flag of the People's Republic of China during a ceremony in Beijing.

On this date:
In 1800, Spain ceded Louisiana to France in a secret treaty.

In 1885, special delivery mail service began in the United States.

In 1896, the US Post Office established Rural Free Delivery.

In 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model T automobile to the market.

In 1940, the first section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, 160 miles in length, was opened to the public.

In 1943, Allied forces captured Naples during World War Two.

In 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees hit his 61st home run during a 162-game season, compared to Babe Ruth's 60 home runs during a 154-game season.

In 1964, the Free Speech Movement was launched at the University of California at Berkeley.

In 1971, Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, Florida.

In 1989, thousands of East Germans received a triumphal welcome in West Germany after the communist government agreed to let them flee to the West.