On July 10, the area entered the history books when the mercury climbed to a blistering 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius) at Furnace Creek, California, breaking the record for the highest temperature ever recorded.
Carl Stokes, the first black mayor of a major American city: Black History Month. View full sizePlain Dealer file photoCarl Stokes, shown in 1968 in downtown Cleveland, focused many of his efforts as mayor on improving city services and helping Cleveland's poorest residents.
1 Whoâs Who: The cityâs first black mayor, Victor Blanco, was elected in 1809. And William E. Goyens, an escaped slave, became the first black Texas millionaire.  Where to Worship: Founded in 1866, St. Paul United Methodist Church (210-227-2525) is the oldest African American church in San Antonio.