1158
Politics
Munich Founded
Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria, founded the city of Munich. The city would grow to become Bavaria's capital and one of Germany's most important cultural centers.
On This Day in History
1775
War & Conflict
U.S. Army Established
The Continental Congress established the Continental Army and named George Washington as commander-in-chief. The army would fight the British for eight years to win American independence.
1777
Politics
Stars and Stripes Adopted as American Flag
The Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. The resolution specified 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 stars.
1834
Invention
Sandpaper Patented
Isaac Fischer Jr. of Springfield, Vermont, received a patent for sandpaper. The abrasive tool became essential in woodworking and manufacturing.
1940
War & Conflict
German Forces Enter Paris
German troops marched into Paris, which had been declared an open city to prevent its destruction. The fall of Paris was a devastating blow to Allied morale.
1951
Invention
UNIVAC I Delivered to Census Bureau
The first UNIVAC I computer was delivered to the U.S. Census Bureau. It was the first commercial computer produced in the United States.
2017
Crime
Congressional Baseball Shooting
A gunman opened fire on Republican congressmen practicing for a charity baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was critically wounded.