Robert Wadlow, also known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois, the tallest person in recorded history, was born on this day in 1918.

Did you know that:

• George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born on this day in 1732
• Ernst Alexanderson received a patent for a selective radio tuning system on this day in 1916
• Steve Fossett completed the first air balloon flight over the Pacific Ocean on this day in 1995