Today is the 274th day of 2014 and the 10th day of autumn.
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TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1890, an act of Congress established Yosemite National Park in California.
In 1949, Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong declared the People's Republic of China at a ceremony in Beijing.
In 1971, Walt Disney World opened to the public in Orlando, Fla.
In 1975, Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in the "Thrilla in Manila" boxing match in the Philippines.
In 1989, Danish activists Axel and Eigil Axgil were wed in a ceremony establishing the world's first legally recognized same-sex union.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Helio Gracie (1913-2009), martial artist; Walter Matthau (1920-2000), actor; Jimmy Carter (1924- ), 39th U.S. president; William Rehnquist (1924-2005), United States chief justice; Tom Bosley (1927-2010), actor; Richard Harris (1930-2002), actor; Julie Andrews (1935- ), actress; Rod Carew (1945- ), baseball player; Tim O'Brien (1946- ), author; Randy Quaid (1950- ), actor; Esai Morales (1962- ), actor; Mark McGwire (1963- ), baseball player; Zach Galifianakis (1969- ), actor/comedian.
TODAY'S FACT: In 1957, the first paper currency bearing the U.S. motto "In God we trust" entered circulation.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1961, Roger Maris hit his 61st home run of the season, breaking the single-season record that had been held by Babe Ruth since 1927.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other's children." -- Jimmy Carter
TODAY'S NUMBER: $3.50 -- adult ticket price at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom the day it opened in 1971. The one-day ticket price (age 10 and up) in 2014 was $99.
TODAY'S MOON: First quarter moon (Oct. 1).