1556
Disaster
Deadliest Earthquake in History Strikes China
The Shaanxi earthquake struck central China, killing an estimated 830,000 people. It remains the deadliest earthquake in recorded history.
On This Day in History
1789
Culture
Georgetown University Founded
Georgetown University was founded in Maryland by John Carroll. It is the oldest Jesuit and Catholic university in the United States.
1849
Civil Rights
Elizabeth Blackwell Earns Medical Degree
Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, from Geneva Medical College. Her achievement opened doors for women in medicine.
1909
Disaster
SS Republic Rescue Demonstrates Wireless
The White Star liner Republic was rammed by the SS Florida off Nantucket. The wireless distress call demonstrated the life-saving potential of radio at sea.
1960
Exploration
Trieste Reaches Deepest Point on Earth
Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard descended to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. At 35,814 feet, they reached the deepest known point on Earth.
1968
War & Conflict
USS Pueblo Captured by North Korea
North Korean vessels captured the USS Pueblo, an American intelligence ship. The 83 crew members were held captive for 11 months in a major Cold War incident.
1997
Civil Rights
Madeleine Albright Becomes First Female Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright was confirmed as the 64th Secretary of State, the first woman to hold the position. Born in Prague, she fled both Nazism and communism.