CoM Moderators

1878 - The coat of arms of the Baku governorate was established 1922 - Uprising of social righteousness in Rio de Janeiro 1945 - World War II: Liberation of the Philippines declared 1946 - Wimbledon Men's Tennis: Frenchman Yvon Petra beats Australian Geoff Brown 6-2, 6-4, 7-9, 5-7, 6-4 for his only Wimbledon title 1961 - St Louis Cardinals first baseman Bill White smashes 3 HRs and a double in 9-1 rout of Los Angeles Dodgers 1987 - A's first baseman Mark McGwire becomes first rookie to hit 30 HRs before the MLB All-Star Game as Oakland beats Red Sox, 6-2 2019 - Former governor of Rio de Janeiro, Sérgio Cabral says he paid a $2 million bribe to secure votes for his city to be granted 2016 Olympics 2024 - US President Joe Biden gives an interview to quell fears about his stamina and cognitive abilities with ABC's George Stephanopoulos More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1884 - German consul-general Gustav Nachtigal takes possession of Cameroon 1959 - Jack Gelber's "Connection" premieres in NYC 1960 - Mongolia adopts constitution 1961 - KUSD TV channel 2 in Vermillion, SD (PBS) begins broadcasting 1961 - 80 die in collisions in Algiers More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1654 - Antonio Maria Pacchioni, Baroque composer, baptized in Modena, Duchy of Modena and Reggio (d. 1738) 1886 - Willem Drees, Dutch politician (co-founder of the Labour Party (PvdA); Prime Minister, 1948-58), known as "Daddy Drees", born in Amsterdam, Netherlands (d. 1988) 1904 - Ernst Mayr, German-American biologist (evolutionary theory), born in Kempten, Bavaria, Germany (d. 2005) 1934 - Diane Andersen, Danish-Belgian concert pianist, born in Copenhagen, Denmark 1975 - Chris Gratton, Canadian NHL center (Canada World C'ships gold 1997; Tampa Bay Lightning), born in Brantford, Ontario More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1472 - Charles of Artois, Count of Eu, French military leader (b. 1394) 1864 - Dimitris Plapoutas, Greek general and revolutionary figure in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, dies at 78 1887 - August Pott, German philological (Etymology Forschungen), dies at 84 1948 - Georges Bernanos, French writer (The Diary of the Country Priest), dies at 60 1985 - Marion Byron, American actress (Steamboat Bill Jr, Broadway Babies), dies at 73 More Famous Deaths »

993 - Saint Ulrich of Augsburg is canonized 1636 - Providence, Rhode Island, is founded by Roger Williams after his exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony 1672 - States of Holland declare the "Eternal Edict" void and appoint William III as stadholder 1876 - First public exhibition of electric light in San Francisco 1894 - Republic of Hawai'i is proclaimed, Sanford B Dole as serves as the first and only elected president 1914 - Wimbledon Women's Tennis: Dorothea Chambers wins her 7th and last Wimbledon singles title beating Ethel Larcombe 7-5, 6-4 1968 - Lowest temperature ever recorded in Cleveland in July at 41°F 1980 - Wimbledon Women's Tennis: Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley beats Chris Evert 6-1, 7-6 for her 3rd Wimbledon singles crown More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1845 - Texas Congress votes almost unanimously for annexation to US 1904 - International Lawn Tennis Challenge, Wimbledon: Laurence Doherty and Reggie Doherty beat Paul de Borman and William le Maire de Warzée 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 to give British Isles an unassailable 3-0 lead over Belgium (ends 5-0) 1912 - Jack Johnson beats "Fireman" Jim Flynn by disqualification in 9 in Las Vegas to retain world heavyweight boxing title 1944 - Allied forces in Normandy fire a coordinated Fourth of July salute against German lines, using 1,100 American guns 2025 - MLB Chicago Cubs belt franchise record 8 home runs in 11-3 win over visiting St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1753 - Jean-Pierre Blanchard, French ballonist (1st balloon flights in England and U.S.), born in Les Andelys, France (d. 1809) 1845 - Thomas John Barnardo, Irish-born British social worker, and philanthropist (established Barnardo homes for children), born in Dublin, Ireland (d. 1905) 1921 - Gérard Debreu, French-American economist (Nobel Prize, 1983), born in Calais, France (d. 2004) 1931 - Duncan Lamont, Scottish jazz and session trumpet and saxophone player, arranger, and songwriter ("I Told You So"), born in Greenock, Scotland (d. 2019) 1948 - Jeremy Spencer, British rock guitarist (Fleetwood Mac - "Oh Well"), born in Hartlepool, County Durham, England More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 943 - Taejo of Goryeo, ruler of Korea (918 to 943), unified the Later Three Kingdoms, dies at 70 973 - Ulrich of Augsburg, Prince-Bishop of Augsburg and first saint to be canonized by a Pope, dies at 82 or 83 (b. 890) 1826 - John Adams, Second US President (1797-1801), Vice President (1789-97) and Founding Father, dies at 90 1976 - Yonatan Netanyahu, Israel commander killed freeing Israeli hostages during Operation Entebbe in Uganda, at 30 years 2021 - Richard Lewontin, American geneticist (The Spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian Paradigm), dies at 92 More Famous Deaths »

1849 - French forces enter Rome to restore Pope Pius IX to power, providing a major obstacle to Italian unification 1861 - Pony Express arrives in San Francisco with overland letters from New York 1876 - Montenegro formally declares war on the Ottoman Empire 1900 - Wimbledon Men's Tennis: R.F. Doherty beats Sydney Smith 6-8, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 for his 4th consecutive Wimbledon singles title 1940 - German occupiers forbid using Dutch royal names 1974 - Soviet spacecraft Soyuz 14 carries two cosmonauts to space station Salyut 3 1977 - Triple Crown champion Seattle Slew’s nine-race winning streak ends in the Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park, where he finishes fourth 2006 - US Open Women's Golf, Newport CC: Annika Sörenstam wins her 10th and final major title by 4 strokes in a playoff with Pat Hurst More Historical Events »

Historical Events 987 - Hugh Capet, is coronated as King of France, in Paris, after being elected by the nobility 1849 - French forces enter Rome to restore Pope Pius IX to power, providing a major obstacle to Italian unification 1884 - Dow Jones publishes its first stock index, the Dow Jones Transportation Average 1886 - In Germany, Karl Benz first drives the first automobile in Mannheim at a top speed of 16 km/h (10 mph) 1988 - Gene Nelson of the Oakland A's becomes first AL pitcher to steal a base since 1973 in 9-8 win over Toronto Blue Jays More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1906 - Alberto Lleras Camargo, Colombian journalist and politician (President of Colombia, 1945-46 and 1958-62; Secretary General of the Organization of American States, 1948–54), born in Bogotá, Colombia (d. 1990) 1913 - Hugh Stirling Mackenzie, British Royal Navy officer, born in Inverness, Scotland (d. 1996) 1923 - Sue Ryder, Baroness Ryder of Warsaw and Cavendish, British volunteer with Special Operations Executive in the Second World War, born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England (d. 2000) 1959 - Stoyan Deltchev, Bulgarian gymnast (Olympic gold horizontal bar 1980), born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria 1970 - Shawnee Smith, American actress (Saw), born in Orangeburg, South Carolina More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1863 - Little Crow [Ta-oya-te-duta], Mdewakanton Dakota leader (Treaty of Mendota), shot and killed by settlers at about 53 1863 - Elon John Farnsworth, American Brigadier General (Union Army), dies at the battle of Gettysburg at 25 1918 - Mehmed V, 35th Ottoman Sultan (1909-18), dies at 73 1994 - Pieter Hennipman, Dutch economist, dies at 85 2025 - David Mabuza, Deputy President of South Africa (2018-23), dies at 64 More Famous Deaths »

706 - Remains of Chinese Emperor Gaozong, his wife Empress Wu Zetian and family members interred in Qianling Mausoleum by Emperor Zhongzong, outside Chang'an on Mount Liangshan 1858 - Russia implements partial emancipation of serfs 1902 - Wimbledon Women's Tennis: Muriel Robb wins her only major title with a 7-5, 6-1 defeat of fellow Briton Charlotte Cooper 1926 - US Army Air Corps created; Distinguished Flying Cross authorized, to award "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight" 1979 - First US coin to honor a woman is issued with Susan B. Anthony 2005 - Live 8 concert in front of Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; performers include Stevie Wonder, Bon Jovi, The Black-Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Dave Matthews Band, Maroon 5, and Linkin Park 2020 - Funeral for slain Ethiopian singer Hachalu Hundessa in Ambo amid nationwide unrest at his death that has killed over 80 people 2022 - Largest ever exhibition on African fashion "Africa Fashion" opens at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1954 - Wimbledon Men's Tennis: Czech Jaroslav Drobný beats Ken Rosewall of Australia 13-11, 4-6, 6-2, 9-7 for his only Wimbledon singles title 1990 - TV cooking competition show "MasterChef" presented by Loyd Grossman, and created by Franc Roddam, first airs in the UK 1995 - LA Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo is first Japanese player to be selected for a MLB All-Star Game when he is named in the NL squad 2019 - Virginie Viard presents her first haute couture collection as designer at Chanel after the death of Karl Lagerfeld at the Grand Palais 2020 - Funeral for slain Ethiopian singer Hachalu Hundessa in Ambo amid nationwide unrest at his death that has killed over 80 people More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1363 - Maria, Queen of Sicily and Duchess of Athens and Neopatria, born in Catania, Kingdom of Sicily (d. 1401) 1589 - Guillaume Messaus, Flemish composer, born in Antwerp, Dutch Republic (d. 1640) 1903 - Alec Douglas-Home, British Prime Minister (Conservative: 1963-64), born in London (d. 1995) 1949 - Hanno Pöschl, Austrian actor ("Exit...But No Panic"; "Tales from the Vienna Woods"), born in Vienna, Austria 1958 - Thomas Bickerton, American Methodist bishop, born in Glen Dale, West Virginia More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1778 - Jean-Jacques Rousseau, French philosopher, political theorist, and writer (Confessions) whose works inspired French Revolution leaders and Romantic academics, dies of cerebral bleeding from a stroke at 66 1917 - Herbert Beerbohm Tree, British actor and theatre manager (King John, Trilby), dies at 64 1963 - Seth Barnes Nicholson, American astronomer who discovered four satellites of Jupiter, dies at 71 2013 - Fawzia Fuad, Egyptian princess who became Queen of Iran as the first wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, dies at 91 2020 - Betsy Ancker-Johnson, American physicist (plasmas), inventor (high-frequency signal generator), first woman Presidential appointee to the Department of Commerce and first woman VP in the automotive industry, dies at 93 More Famous Deaths »

1535 - Thomas More goes on trial in England on charges of treason for refusing to accept Henry VIII's supremacy over the Pope 1858 - First Canadian coins minted (1, 5, 10 and 20 cent) at the Royal Mint in London, England 1861 - US War Department decrees that Kansas and Tennessee are to be canvassed for volunteers 1889 - US mint at Carson City, Nevada, officially reopens after a four-year hiatus 1916 - Pittsburgh shortstop Honus Wagner, at 42 and 4 months, connects at Cincinnati to become the oldest to hit an inside-the-park HR; Pirates beat Reds, 2-1 1925 - Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs is created in UK 1932 - NY Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated for president at Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois 1981 - Prince Willem-Alexander opens the C. Veerling designed 318-meter cable-stayed Willemsbrug Bridge in Rotterdam More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1823 - United Provinces of Central America declares itself independent of Mexico and Spain 1847 - First US postage stamps go on sale, 5 cent Franklin and 10 cent Washington, NYC 1862 - US Internal Revenue Law imposes first federal taxes on inheritance, tobacco, and incomes over $600 (progressive rate) 1960 - Robert Bolt's "A Man For All Seasons" premieres in London 1978 - Former US President Richard Nixon makes his first public speech since resigning in 1974 More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1879 - Leon Jouhaux, French socialist and co-founder UN's ILO (Nobel 1951), born in Paris (d. 1954) 1896 - Pavel Antokolsky, Russian poet and theatre director (Syn), born in St. Petersburg, Russian Empire (d. 1978) 1915 - Joseph Ransohoff, American neurosurgeon and pioneer in the modern neurosurgery, born in Cincinnati, Ohio (d. 2001) 1953 - Mike Haynes, American College-Pro Football HOF cornerback (Super Bowl XVIII LA Raiders; First-team All-Pro 1984, 85; 9 x Pro Bowl; NE Patriots), born in Denison, Texas 1955 - Li Keqiang, Chinese Premier of the State Council and China's head of government, born in Dingyuan County, Anhui Province (d. 2023) More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1614 - Isaac Casaubon, English classical scholar (Atheneaus), dies at 55 1860 - Charles Goodyear, American chemist and manufacturing engineer who invented the vulcanization process for rubber, dies at 59 1931 - Alice Mary Robertson, American educator, social worker and 2nd woman in US Congress, dies at 77 1943 - C Bakker, Dutch resistance fighter (census bureau), executed 2017 - Norman Dorsen, American lawyer, human rights advocate and president of the American Civil Liberties Union, dies of complications from a stroke at 86 More Famous Deaths »

1906 - US Congress passes the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act; these laws owe much to the expose journalism of the period (Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle' in particular) 1924 - England score 2-503 in day's play v South Africa at Lord's 1941 - Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York is dedicated 1980 - British sixpence demonetised after being in used since 1551 and 12 years after introduction of decimal currency 1992 - South African ANC President Nelson Mandela meets with UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali at Dakar 1994 - Pre-trial hearings open in LA against O.J. Simpson 2009 - Turkey records its fastest contraction of 13.8% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 2008, leading the country into recession; this is Turkey's biggest economic slump since 1945 2019 - US Senior Open Men's Golf, Warren GC: Steve Stricker wins his second Champions Tour major of the year by 6 strokes from David Toms and Jerry Kelly More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1979 - "Good Times" single released by Chic (Billboard Song of the Year 1979) 1996 - "Moon Over Buffalo" closes at Martin Beck Theater NYC after 308 performances 1998 - Sega Channel, cable's 1st on-demand video game service, closes down 2006 - Cirque du Soleil's musical-acrobatic extravaganza "The Beatles - LOVE" opens in a specially built theatre at The Mirage, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013 - US Open Women's Golf, Sebonack GC: Inbee Park of South Korea wins her second US title, 4 strokes ahead of compatriot I.K. Kim More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1669 - Mauritius Vogt, German composer, born in Königshofen, Electorate of Bavaria, Holy Roman Empire (d. 1730) 1743 - Niels Schiørring, Danish musician and composer, born in Favrskov Municipality, Denmark (d. 1798) 1912 - Tibor de Machula, Hungarian-Dutch cellist, born in Cluj-Napoca, Romania (d. 1982) 1967 - Tom Spencer, English punk rock singer, guitarist and songwriter (The Yo-Yo's; The Professionals), born in Chipping Barnet, England 1978 - Ben Cousins, Australian Football League player (Richmond), born in Geelong, Victoria More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1839 - Johan Olof Wallin, Swedish poet and archbishop (Dead Angel), dies at 59 1953 - Göte Carlid, Swedish composer (Eine kleine Teemusik), dies at 32 1993 - Spanky McFarland, American actor (Our Gang; The Little Rascals), dies suddenly at age 64 2002 - Pete Gray [Wyshner], American baseball outfielder (First of three one-armed men to play MLB; St Louis Browns), dies at 87 2020 - Aleksandr Kabanov, Russian water polo player (Olympic gold 1972, 80; World C'ship gold 1975, 82) and coach (Russian men's and women's teams), dies at 72 More Famous Deaths »

1945 - Ruthenia, formerly in Czechoslovakia, annexed by Soviet Union, becomes Ukrainian SSR 1957 - US Open Women's Golf, Winged Foot GC: Betsy Rawls wins when apparent champion, Jackie Pung at 298 (+6) is disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard kept by playing partner Betty Jameson 1963 - The Beatles' first number one single, "From Me to You," hits the UK charts 1964 - Civil Rights Act of 1964 passes the US Senate after a 60-working-day filibuster by Southern senators 1976 - Seychelles gains independence from the United Kingdom 1992 - Algerian head of state, Mohamed Boudiaf, is assassinated by military officers during a public speech at the opening of a cultural center in Annaba 1994 - 128°F (53°C) Lake Havasu City, Arizona (state record, breaking previous set in 1905) 2015 - Beijing Times reports 30% of the Great Wall of China has disappeared due to natural forces and stealing of bricks More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1072 - Former Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes blinded by rivals and exiled 1863 - Confederate General Robert Lee orders his forces to concentrate near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 1900 - The Imperial Chinese Court issues what is essentially a declaration of war against foreigners in China, blaming them for hostilities and giving license to the Boxers for even greater ferocity 1969 - US Open Women's Golf, Scenic Hills CC: Donna Caponi wins first of 4 major titles; beat Peggy Wilson by 1 stroke 2017 - Mihai Tudose confirmed as Romanian Prime Minister, by parliament, succeeding Sorin Grindeanu More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1805 - Hiram Powers, American sculptor (Greek Slave), born in Woodstock, Vermont (d. 1873) 1885 - André Gailhard, French classical music composer, born in Paris, France (d. 1966) 1919 - Slim Pickens [Louis Burton Lindley Jr], American rodeo performer and actor (Dr Strangelove; Blazing Saddles), born in Kingsburg, California (d. 1983) 1964 - Stedman Pearson, English pop vocalist (Five Star - "Rain or Shine"; "The Slightest Touch"), born in Islington, London 1978 - Nicole Scherzinger, American singer (Pussycat Dolls), born in Honolulu, Hawaii More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1953 - Jules van Nuffel, Belgian composer, priest, and musicologist (Nova Organi Harmonia), dies at 70 1967 - Oskar Maria Graf, German-American writer (Wir sind Gefangene (We Are Prisoners)), dies at 72 1999 - Allan Carr, American film producer and director (Grease, Happiest Millionaire), dies at 62 2000 - Coen Flink, Dutch actor (Pastorale 1943, Havinck, Honneponnetje), dies at 68 2018 - Irina Szewińska, Polish athlete, administrator (Olympic various sprint gold 1964, 68, 76), dies of cancer at 72 More Famous Deaths »

767 - St Paul I ends his reign as Catholic Pope 1519 - King Carlos I is elected Holy Roman Emperor Charles V 1897 - Marquis C. de Bonchamps' expedition reaches Gore, Ethiopia 1922 - The Irish Civil War starts when Irish Free State forces attack anti-treaty republicans in Dublin 1924 - Tornado strikes Sandusky and Lorain, Ohio, killing 93 1996 - The Constitution of Ukraine is signed into law. 2000 - Cuban exile Elián González returns to Cuba following a Supreme Court order. 2011 - Christine Lagarde becomes the 1st women to be elected head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1855 - Sigma Chi Fraternity is founded at Miami University 1869 - Amsterdam typographer strike 1923 - MLB Brooklyn Robins blow 7-0 lead, as Phillies win 8-7 at the Baker Bowl in Philadelphia 1948 - British begin airlift “Operation Plainfare” to West Berlin 2024 - Boy band Seventeen are the first K-pop group to play the main Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1893 - Luciano Gallet, Brazilian pianist, composer, conductor, and educator, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (d. 1931) 1907 - Paul-Emile Victor, French polar explorer, ethnologist, and writer (La civilisation du phoque), born in Geneva, Switzerland (d. 1995) 1957 - Mike Skinner, American auto racer (NASCAR SuperTruck Series 1995; Daytona 500 pole and Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year 1997), born in Susanville, California 1962 - Anisoara Stanciu-Cusmir, Romanian long jumper (Olympic gold 1984), born in Brăila, Romania 1983 - Maui Taylor, Filipino model and actress (Kool Ka Lang), born in Brighton, England More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1971 - Martha Wise, American serial killer who poisoned 17 family members, one of the most sensational murder cases of the 1920s in Ohio, dies in prison at 88 1981 - Floyd "Candy" Johnson, American jazz saxophonist (Andy Kirk; Count Basie; Bill Doggett), and educator, dies at 59 2001 - Mortimer J. Adler, American philosopher and author (Encyclopedia Brittanica), dies at 98 2003 - Russell Endean, South African cricket wicketkeeper (28 Tests, 3 x 100, HS 162no, 41 dismissals; Transvaal, MCC), dies at 79 2022 - Deborah James, British teacher, journalist, author (You, Me and the Big C), and charity campaigner, dies of cancer at 40 More Famous Deaths »

1580 - Duke of Alva's army occupies Portugal 1890 - Canadian boxer George Dixon becomes the first Black world champion when he stops English bantamweight champion Edwin "Nunc" Wallace in 18 rounds in London 1898 - Wimbledon Women's Tennis: Charlotte Cooper beats Louisa Martin 6-4, 6-4 for her 3rd Wimbledon singles championship 1934 - Federal Savings and Loan Association created 1962 - NASA civilian pilot Joseph A. Walker takes X-15 to 6,606 kph, 37,700 m 1976 - In South Africa, the National President of the Black People's Convention, Kenneth Hlaku Rachidi, declares that riots in Soweto have lead to a new era of political consciousness 1984 - Late Night's 1st Tower Drop 2018 - Complex carbon-based molecules are found by the Cassini spacecraft on Saturn's moon Enceladus, previously found only on Earth and in meteorites, in research published in Nature More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1914 - US signs treaty of commerce with Ethiopia 1999 - Tony Hawk is the first skateboarder to land a "900" (a 2½-revolution aerial spin) at the X Games in San Francisco, California 2003 - Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England opens: Radiohead, Moby, and R.E.M. headline; other performers include David Gray, The Polyphonic Spree; Jimmy Cliff, Sigur Rós, Los Lobos, and Yes 2018 - Democrat Representative Joseph Crowley is defeated in New York Primary election by liberal challenger Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 2023 - Archaeologists in Roman city of Pompeii uncover a "pizza" painting in a fresco from house next to a bakery (more likely flatbread as lacks essential ingredients tomatoes and mozzarella) More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1884 - Gaston Bachelard, French philosopher (La psychanalyse du feu), born in Bar-sur-Aube, France (d. 1962) 1889 - Alfred Courtens, Belgian sculptor, born in Brussels, Belgium (d. 1967) 1905 - Ruby Middleton Forsythe, African-American teacher who taught for 50 years in one-room schoolhouse in South Carolina, born in Charleston, South Carolina (d. 1992) 1959 - Dan Jurgens, American comic book writer (The Death of Superman), born in Ortonville, Minnesota 1966 - J. J. Abrams, American writer, producer and director (Lost; Star Wars: the Force Awakens; Mission Impossible III), born in New York City More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1917 - Karl Allmenröder, German World War I flying Ace, dies at 21 2010 - Dolph Briscoe, American businessman and 41st Governor of Texas (1973-79), dies at 87 2011 - Elaine Stewart, American actress and model (The Bad and the Beautiful, Take the High Ground), dies at 81 2016 - Alvin Toffler, American author (Future Shock, Power Shift, The Third Wave), dies at 87 2025 - Audrey Shakir, American jazz vocalist (Jazz at the Lincoln Center Big Band), dies at 73 More Famous Deaths »

1243 - Battle of Köse Dağ: Mongols under Baiju defeat Seljuk army of Sultan Kaykhusraw II during Mongol attacks in north east Turkey 1927 - Comet 7P/Pons-Winnecke approaches within 0.0394 AUs of Earth 1934 - US President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the National Firearms Act into law, requiring registration and imposition of excise tax on firearms including machine guns. short-barreled shotguns and rifles, and silencers; exceptions made for pistol, revolvers, and long guns 1937 - Test cricket debut of all-time great English batsman Len Hutton v New Zealand in 1st Tests at Lord's; scores 0 and 1 1972 - The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) kill two British Army soldiers in separate attacks during the day and at midnight begins a "bi-lateral truce" 1974 - The Universal Product Code (UPC) is scanned for the first time to sell a package of Wrigley's chewing gum at Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio 1992 - NYC's MTA votes to ban cigarette ads on Jan 1, 1993 2015 - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras calls for a referendum on new bailout terms during the Greek Credit Crisis More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1929 - ENKA/Vereinigte Glanzstoff Factory merge AKU (Genl Kunstzijde Union) 1946 - Fred Allen's last radio show, his guest is Jack Benny 1994 - 107°F (41.6°C) at Albuquerque, New Mexico 2019 - Two US Florida towns pay hackers considerable ransom to unfreeze their computer systems; Riviera Beach $600,00 and Lake City $500,000 2024 - Outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte is appointed as the next NATO Secretary General More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1873 - George Walker, American vaudevillian, stage actor, and producer, born in Lawrence, Kansas (d. 1911) 1888 - Paul Niggli, Swiss mineralogist (crystal structures), born in Zonfingen, Switzerland (d. 1953) 1929 - Francesco Cossiga, Italian politician and 8th President of the Italian Republic (1985-92), born in Sassari, Kingdom of Italy (d. 2010) 1945 - Dwight York, Nuwaubian leader (Nuwaubian Nation), born in Boston, Massachusetts 1971 - Carlton Gray, American NFL cornerback (Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts), born in Cincinnati, Ohio More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1960 - Henrik Shipstead, American Senator (1923-1947), who opposed foreign intervention, dies at 79 1994 - Bob den Doolaard, Dutch author and journalist (Inn with the horseshoe), dies at 93 1997 - William Turnbull Jr., American architect who helped design the Sea Ranch, dies of cancer at 62 2000 - Logan Ramsey, American actor (Head, Joy Sticks, Say Yes), dies of a heart attack at 79 2020 - Theo Foley, Irish soccer defender (9 caps, Republic of Ireland; Burnley, Charlton Athletic) and manager (Northampton Town), dies at 83 More Famous Deaths »

1483 - The House of Lords and Commons declares King Edward V of England as illegitimate based on his parent's alleged bigamous marriage 1788 - Virginia becomes 10th state to ratify US constitution 1950 - Israeli airline El Al begins transatlantic service form Israel to New York City's Idlewild Airport 1962 - İnönü government forms in Turkey 1978 - First use of the rainbow flag, symbol of gay pride, made by Gilbert Baker at a march in San Francisco 1982 - Greece abolishes headshaving of recruits in the military 1984 - Lydia Garrett, 24, crowned 17th Miss Black America 2018 - Californian Governor Jerry Brown declares State of Emergency for wildfire spread over 8,200 acres in Lake County More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1912 - British Open Men's Golf, Muirfield: Ted Ray wins wire-to-wire by 4 shots from defending champion Harry Vardon 1919 - Revolt of Spartacus in Hamburg 1934 - NY Yankee Lou Gehrig hits for the cycle beating White Sox 11-2 2018 - Californian Governor Jerry Brown declares State of Emergency for wildfire spread over 8,200 acres in Lake County 2023 - Greek voters re-elect Kyriakos Mitsotakis' New Democracy Party by a landslide More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1612 - John Albert Vasa, Polish bishop, born in Warsaw, Poland (d. 1634) 1863 - Émile Francqui, Belgian soldier and diplomat, born in Brussels, Belgium (d. 1935) 1942 - Joe Chambers, American jazz drummer, vibraphonist, and composer, born in Chester, Pennsylvania 1964 - Dell Curry, American basketball guard and broadcaster (NBA Sixth Man of The Year 1994; Charlotte Hornets all-time points leader [9,839]), born in Harrisonburg, Virginia 2004 - Mikhail Shaidorov, Kazakhstani figure skater (2026 Olympic Champion, World silver medalist, Four Continents champion), second Kazakhstani athlete to win gold at a Winter Olympics, born in Almaty, Kazakhstan More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1514 - Berta Jacobsdr [Suster Bertken], Dutch hermit, dies at 87 1960 - Tommy Corcoran, American baseball shortstop (MLB shortstop game assist record 14), dies at 91 1978 - Barry Brown, American actor (Frederick Winterbourne-Daisy Miller), dies at 27 2009 - Michael Jackson, American recording artist, dancer and King of Pop ("Thriller"; "Billie Jean"; "Bad"), dies of cardiac arrest at 50 2022 - Bill Woolsey, American swimmer (Olympic gold men's 4×200m freestyle relay 1952, silver 1956), dies at 87 More Famous Deaths »

1396 - Crusaders under Earl of Nevers reach Vienna 1472 - Byzantine princess Sophia Palaiologina departs Rome with a large entourage for Moscow to marry Ivan III 1497 - John Cabot claims parts of North America for England in what is now Eastern Canada, believing he has found Asia in Newfoundland 1894 - Marie François Sadi Carnot is assassinated in Lyon by Italian anarchist Sante Geronimo Caserio 1968 - Australia all out for 78 v England at Lord's 1970 - Bobby Murcer ties record of four consecutive home runs 2004 - Christie’s Auction House in New York City conducts sale of 80 of Eric Clapton and friends' guitars to benefit Crossroads Centre at Antigua, a drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation facility he co-founded in 1997, raising over $5M; "Blackie", a 1956-57 composite Fender Stratocaster used as his primary instrument form the mid 70s until 1985 sells for a then record $959,500 2020 - NY Governor Andrew Cuomo announces people arriving from nine states hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic will have to isolate for two weeks More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1396 - Crusaders under Earl of Nevers reach Vienna 1472 - Byzantine princess Sophia Palaiologina departs Rome with a large entourage for Moscow to marry Ivan III 1619 - Tsar Michail's father Filaret becomes patriarch of Moscow 1947 - Flying saucers sighted over Mount Rainier by pilot Ken Arnold 1963 - First demonstration of a home video recorder at BBC Studios in London More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1788 - Thomas Blanchard, American machinist and inventor, born in Sutton, Massachusetts (d. 1864) 1916 - Saloua Raouda Choucair, Lebanese abstract artist (Movement of the Angle; Infinite Module), born in Beirut, Lebanon (d. 2017) 1939 - Brigitte Fontaine, French pop and avant-garde singer-songwriter, playwright, and novelist, born in Morlaix, France 1960 - Juli Inkster, American golfer (7 LPGA major titles; US Open 1999, 2002), born in Santa Cruz, California 1985 - Yukina Shirakawa, Japanese gravure idol, born in Shizuoka, Japan More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1572 - Cornelis van Diest, Dutch lay brother of Enkhuizen, hanged 1913 - Frank Lynes, American composer, dies at 55 1962 - Volfgangs Dārziņš, Latvian composer, pianist, folklorist, and music critic, dies at 54 2005 - Paul Winchell (Wilchinsky), American ventriloquist (Jerry Mahoney, Knucklehead Smiff), inventor (mechanical artificial human heart,1963), voice actor (Winnie the Pooh - "Tigger"; Dick Dastardly; The Banana Splits -"Fleegle"), and acupuncturist, dies at 82 2009 - Roméo LeBlanc, Canadian politician, 25th Governor General of Canada (1995-99), dies at 81 More Famous Deaths »

1848 - A bloody workers' insurrection erupts in Paris as laborers and radicals rise against the newly proclaimed Second Republic after the closure of the National Workshops during the June Days uprising 1919 - Nitti government forms in Italy 1945 - Last organized Japanese defiance broken (Tarakan) 1954 - 122°F (50°C), Overton, Nevada (state record until June 29, 1994) 1992 - Emmy 19th Daytime Award presentation - Susan Lucci loses for 13th time 2011 - NBA Draft: Duke point guard Kyrie Irving first pick Cleveland Cavaliers 2014 - Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz is re-elected President of Mauritania 2018 - Explosion at a rally in Addis Ababa after speech by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed kills two and injures 150 More Historical Events »