193
Ancient
Septimius Severus Proclaimed Emperor
Septimius Severus was proclaimed Roman Emperor by his troops in Pannonia. He marched on Rome and founded a dynasty that would rule for several decades.
On This Day in History
1682
Exploration
La Salle Claims Mississippi River Basin for France
French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, reached the mouth of the Mississippi River and claimed the entire drainage basin for France, naming it Louisiana.
1865
War & Conflict
Lee Surrenders at Appomattox
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. The surrender effectively ended the American Civil War.
1940
War & Conflict
Germany Invades Denmark and Norway
Nazi Germany launched Operation Weserubung, invading Denmark and Norway simultaneously. Denmark surrendered within hours; Norway fought for two months before falling.
1942
War & Conflict
Bataan Death March Begins
Japanese forces began the forced march of 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war from Bataan to Camp O'Donnell. An estimated 10,000 prisoners died during the 65-mile march.
1959
Space
NASA Introduces First Astronauts
NASA introduced America's first seven astronauts, known as the Mercury Seven, at a press conference. The astronauts became instant national heroes during the Space Race.
2003
War & Conflict
Saddam Hussein Statue Toppled in Baghdad
U.S. Marines helped Iraqis topple a large statue of Saddam Hussein in Firdos Square. The televised event symbolized the fall of the regime, though years of conflict followed.