753 BC
Ancient
Legendary Founding of Rome
According to tradition, Romulus founded the city of Rome on the Palatine Hill. The legendary founding date became one of the most important dates in ancient Roman culture.
On This Day in History
1509
Politics
Henry VIII Becomes King of England
Henry VIII ascended to the English throne at age 17 upon the death of his father, Henry VII. His reign would transform England through the break with Rome and the English Reformation.
1836
War & Conflict
Battle of San Jacinto
Texan forces under Sam Houston defeated the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto in just 18 minutes. The victory secured Texas independence from Mexico.
1898
War & Conflict
Spanish-American War Begins
The United States declared war on Spain following the sinking of the USS Maine and growing outrage over Spanish treatment of Cubans. The brief war established America as an imperial power.
1910
Culture
Mark Twain Dies
Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, died at age 74 in Redding, Connecticut. He had predicted he would die when Halley's Comet returned, and the comet appeared the day before his death.
1926
Politics
Queen Elizabeth II Is Born
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born in London. She would become Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and reign for over 70 years, the longest in British history.
1989
Civil Rights
Tiananmen Square Protests Begin
Pro-democracy protests began in Beijing's Tiananmen Square following the death of reformist leader Hu Yaobang. The protests would culminate in the tragic military crackdown on June 4.