814
Politics
Charlemagne Dies
Charlemagne, first Holy Roman Emperor, died in Aachen at age 71. His empire had united much of Western Europe for the first time since the fall of Rome.
On This Day in History
1547
Politics
Henry VIII of England Dies
King Henry VIII died at age 55. His six marriages, break with the Catholic Church, and establishment of the Church of England fundamentally transformed English history.
1807
Invention
London's Pall Mall Lit by Gas Lamps
Pall Mall became the first street in the world lit by gas lighting. The innovation demonstrated the potential of gas illumination for cities.
1915
Politics
U.S. Coast Guard Established
President Wilson signed legislation creating the Coast Guard by merging the Revenue Cutter Service and Life-Saving Service.
1935
Civil Rights
Iceland Becomes First Country to Legalize Abortion
Iceland passed legislation making it the first Western country to legalize therapeutic abortion. The progressive legislation reflected Iceland's social welfare tradition.
1986
Disaster
Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
The Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members including teacher Christa McAuliffe. A failed O-ring seal caused the disaster.
2006
Invention
Western Union Discontinues Telegram Service
Western Union officially discontinued its telegram service after 155 years. The telegraph had been rendered obsolete by modern technology.