1778
Exploration
Captain Cook Discovers the Hawaiian Islands
Captain James Cook became the first European to arrive at the Hawaiian Islands. He named them the Sandwich Islands in honor of his patron, the Earl of Sandwich.
On This Day in History
1871
Politics
German Empire Proclaimed at Versailles
King Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed German Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Chancellor Bismarck had orchestrated unification through diplomacy and three wars.
1911
Invention
First Aircraft Landing on a Ship
Eugene Ely successfully landed his biplane on a platform aboard the USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco Bay. This demonstrated the feasibility of naval aviation.
1919
Politics
Paris Peace Conference Opens
The Paris Peace Conference opened to negotiate the end of World War I. The resulting Treaty of Versailles would reshape Europe and the Middle East.
1943
War & Conflict
Warsaw Ghetto's First Armed Resistance
Jewish fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto mounted armed resistance against Nazi deportations. This act of defiance inspired the larger Warsaw Ghetto Uprising three months later.
1958
Sports
Willie O'Ree Breaks NHL Color Barrier
Willie O'Ree became the first Black player in the NHL, debuting for the Boston Bruins. Despite facing racism and being legally blind in one eye, he blazed a trail.
1990
Crime
D.C. Mayor Marion Barry Arrested
Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry was arrested by the FBI in a sting operation for crack cocaine possession. The dramatic arrest became a major national news story.