Major U.S. stock indices closed higher Tuesday, led by big gains in oil and gas companies as energy prices climb, the Associated Press reports. The Dow gained 164.84 points (0.94%) to finish at 17,721.25, the NASDAQ closed 38.69 points (0.80%) higher at 4,872.09, and the S&P 500 increased 19.73 points (0.97%) to 2,061.72. The Russell 2000 was up 11.37 points (1.04%) at 1,105.71, and the Wilshire 5000 climbed 200.67 points (0.95%) to 21,228.87.

On the NYSE, 3.2 billion shares changed hands, with advancing issues outnumbering declining issues nearly 4 to 1. On the NASDAQ, 2.7 billion shares traded, with a near 2 to 1 lead for advancers.

ON THIS DATE: In 1860, the first mail was delivered via Pony Express when a westbound rider arrived in Sacramento, California, from St. Joseph, Missouri. In 1861, after 34 hours of bombardment, the Union-held Fort Sumter surrenders to Confederates. In 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in New York City. In 1943, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Jefferson Memorial. In 1954, Hank Aaron debuted with the Milwaukee Braves. In 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first black person to win an Oscar for best actor. It was for his role in the movie “Lilies of the Field.” In 1976, the U.S. Federal Reserve introduced $2 bicentennial notes. In 1997, Tiger Woods became the youngest person to win the Masters Tournament at the age of 21. He also set a record when he finished at 18 under par. In 1998, NationsBank and BankAmerica announced a $62.5 billion merger, creating the country’s first coast-to-coast bank.