1564
Science
Galileo Galilei Is Born
Galileo was born in Pisa, Italy. He would become the 'father of modern science,' making groundbreaking contributions to astronomy, physics, and the scientific method.
On This Day in History
1764
Exploration
St. Louis Founded
French fur traders Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau founded a trading post that would become St. Louis, Missouri. The city grew into a major gateway for westward expansion.
1898
War & Conflict
USS Maine Explodes in Havana Harbor
The battleship USS Maine exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, killing 266 crew members. 'Remember the Maine!' became the rallying cry that helped push the U.S. into the Spanish-American War.
1933
Crime
Assassination Attempt on FDR
Giuseppe Zangara attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin Roosevelt in Miami but instead fatally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak. Roosevelt was unharmed.
1942
War & Conflict
Singapore Falls to Japan
British forces surrendered Singapore to the Japanese, with approximately 80,000 troops becoming prisoners of war. Winston Churchill called it the 'worst disaster' in British military history.
1965
Politics
Canada Adopts Maple Leaf Flag
Canada officially adopted its distinctive red and white Maple Leaf flag, replacing the previous Red Ensign. The new flag became a powerful symbol of Canadian national identity.
2013
Disaster
Chelyabinsk Meteor Explodes Over Russia
A 20-meter asteroid exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, with the force of 500 kilotons of TNT. The airburst injured over 1,500 people and damaged thousands of buildings.