1773
Culture
First Public Museum in America Opens
The Charleston Museum opened in Charleston, South Carolina, becoming the first public museum in America. It was founded to preserve natural and cultural artifacts.
On This Day in History
1848
Politics
Sicilian Revolution Begins
Palermo erupted in revolution against Bourbon rule, becoming the first of the 1848 European revolutions. The uprising inspired revolutionary movements throughout the continent.
1879
War & Conflict
Anglo-Zulu War Begins
British forces crossed the Buffalo River into Zululand, beginning the Anglo-Zulu War. The conflict would see Britain's worst military disaster at Isandlwana before the eventual defeat of the Zulu Kingdom.
1915
Civil Rights
U.S. House Rejects Women's Suffrage
The U.S. House of Representatives rejected a proposed constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote. It would take five more years before the 19th Amendment was ratified.
1932
Civil Rights
Hattie Caraway Becomes First Woman Elected to U.S. Senate
Hattie Wyatt Caraway of Arkansas became the first woman elected to the United States Senate. She had initially been appointed to fill her late husband's seat.
1967
Science
Dr. James Bedford Becomes First Cryonics Patient
Dr. James Bedford became the first person to be cryopreserved after death with the intention of future revival. His body remains in preservation today at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation.
2010
Disaster
Haiti Earthquake Devastates Port-au-Prince
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti near its capital Port-au-Prince, killing an estimated 220,000 people. The disaster left 1.5 million homeless and caused widespread destruction.