1098
War & Conflict
Crusaders Capture Antioch
After a nearly eight-month siege, Crusader forces captured the city of Antioch during the First Crusade. The victory was achieved through treachery when a guard opened the gates.
On This Day in History
1621
Exploration
Dutch West India Company Chartered
The Dutch Republic chartered the Dutch West India Company to develop trade in the Americas and West Africa. The company established New Amsterdam, later renamed New York.
1781
War & Conflict
Jack Jouett's Ride Saves Virginia Leaders
Captain Jack Jouett rode 40 miles through the night to warn Thomas Jefferson and Virginia legislators of approaching British cavalry. His ride, less famous than Paul Revere's, likely saved Jefferson's life.
1888
Culture
Casey at the Bat Published
Ernest Thayer's poem 'Casey at the Bat' was first published in the San Francisco Examiner. The baseball poem became one of the most famous pieces of American comic verse.
1937
Culture
Duke of Windsor Marries Wallis Simpson
The former King Edward VIII, now Duke of Windsor, married American divorcee Wallis Simpson in France. He had abdicated the throne to marry her, the greatest royal scandal of the century.
1965
Space
Ed White Performs First American Spacewalk
Astronaut Ed White became the first American to walk in space during the Gemini 4 mission. He floated outside the spacecraft for 23 minutes, calling it the saddest moment to come back in.
1989
Civil Rights
Tiananmen Square Crackdown Begins
Chinese government troops began their violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of civilians were killed.