197
Ancient
Battle of Lugdunum
Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeated his rival Clodius Albinus at the Battle of Lugdunum (Lyon) in one of the largest battles in Roman history. An estimated 300,000 soldiers fought.
On This Day in History
1473
Science
Nicolaus Copernicus Is Born
Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland. His heliocentric model of the solar system, placing the Sun at the center, launched the scientific revolution.
1807
Crime
Aaron Burr Arrested for Treason
Former Vice President Aaron Burr was arrested in Alabama for allegedly planning to establish an independent nation in the American Southwest. He was later acquitted.
1878
Invention
Thomas Edison Patents the Phonograph
Thomas Edison received a patent for his phonograph, the first device capable of recording and reproducing sound. He demonstrated it by reciting 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.'
1942
Civil Rights
Executive Order 9066 Signed
President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced relocation and internment of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans. It is widely regarded as one of the worst violations of civil liberties in U.S. history.
1945
War & Conflict
Battle of Iwo Jima Begins
U.S. Marines landed on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima, beginning one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War. The iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi became a symbol of American resolve.
1986
Space
Mir Space Station Launched
The Soviet Union launched the Mir space station, the first modular space station. Mir remained in orbit for 15 years and hosted international crews from around the world.