August 24th, 1992:

Hurricane Andrew smashes into Florida, causing record damage for that time.

Fifty-five deaths in Florida, Louisiana and the Bahamas are blamed on the storm.

1814:

British troops invade Washington during the War of 1812.

They burn the White House and the U.S. Capitol - forcing President James Madison to flee the city.

1932:

Amelia Earhart begins a journey that makes her the first woman to fly solo nonstop from coast to coast.

The aviator takes off from Newark, New Jersey and lands in Los Angeles nineteen hours later.

2006:

Astronomers remove Pluto from the solar system's list of planets, reclassifying it as a "dwarf planet."

And, 1989:

Baseball's all-time hits leader Pete Rose is banned from the game for life.

The move follows allegations that he bet on games while manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

Years later, Rose finally admits his gambling - while pressing for his ban to be lifted.

Today in History, August 24th --- ___ ___, The Associated Press.