1559
Politics
Elizabeth I Crowned Queen of England
Elizabeth I was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey. Her 45-year reign would see England's emergence as a major European power and a golden age of literature and exploration.
On This Day in History
1759
Culture
British Museum Opens to the Public
The British Museum opened its doors to the public in London. It was the first national public museum in the world, based on the collections of Sir Hans Sloane.
1929
Civil Rights
Martin Luther King Jr. Is Born
Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He would become the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement, championing nonviolent resistance.
1943
War & Conflict
Pentagon Building Completed
The Pentagon was completed in Arlington, Virginia, after just 16 months of construction. It remains the world's largest office building by floor area.
1973
War & Conflict
Nixon Ends Vietnam War Offensive Operations
President Nixon announced the end of offensive operations against North Vietnam, citing progress in peace negotiations. The Paris Peace Accords would be signed days later.
2001
Invention
Wikipedia Launches
Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger launched Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia that anyone could edit. It grew to become one of the most visited websites in the world.
2009
Disaster
US Airways Flight 1549 Lands on Hudson River
Captain Chesley Sullenberger safely landed a disabled Airbus A320 on the Hudson River in New York after a bird strike. All 155 passengers and crew survived in the 'Miracle on the Hudson.'