1534
Exploration
Jacques Cartier Sails for North America
French explorer Jacques Cartier departed Saint-Malo on his first voyage to North America. He explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and claimed the land for France.
On This Day in History
1657
War & Conflict
Admiral Robert Blake Destroys Spanish Fleet
English Admiral Robert Blake destroyed a Spanish treasure fleet at Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The daring raid demonstrated England's growing naval supremacy.
1769
Politics
Chief Pontiac Assassinated
Chief Pontiac, leader of the 1763 Native American uprising against British rule, was assassinated in Cahokia, Illinois. His rebellion had temporarily united numerous tribes against colonial expansion.
1862
Science
Louis Pasteur Completes First Pasteurization Test
French scientist Louis Pasteur successfully completed his first pasteurization experiment, proving that heating beverages could kill harmful microorganisms. This process saved countless lives.
1889
Politics
Adolf Hitler Is Born
Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria-Hungary. He would become the dictator of Nazi Germany and perpetrate the Holocaust, one of history's greatest crimes.
1999
Crime
Columbine High School Shooting
Two students killed 13 people and wounded 24 others at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. The massacre intensified the national debate over gun control and school safety.
2010
Disaster
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Begins
The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workers. The resulting oil spill became the largest marine oil spill in history, releasing millions of barrels.