68
Ancient
Emperor Nero Commits Suicide
Roman Emperor Nero committed suicide after being declared a public enemy by the Senate. His death ended the Julio-Claudian dynasty and plunged Rome into a civil war.
On This Day in History
1534
Exploration
Jacques Cartier Reaches Mouth of St. Lawrence River
French explorer Jacques Cartier reached the mouth of the St. Lawrence River during his first voyage to North America. He would explore the river on subsequent voyages.
1772
Politics
Gaspee Affair
American colonists boarded and burned the British revenue schooner HMS Gaspee in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The incident was one of the first acts of rebellion against British authority.
1870
Culture
Charles Dickens Dies
Charles Dickens died at his home at Gale Hill, Kent, at age 58. He was buried in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner, mourned by readers worldwide.
1934
Culture
Donald Duck's First Appearance
Donald Duck made his debut in the Walt Disney cartoon 'The Wise Little Hen.' The ill-tempered duck would become one of the most popular cartoon characters in history.
1944
War & Conflict
Soviet Offensive Against Finland Begins
The Soviet Union launched a massive offensive against Finland in the Continuation War. The operation eventually forced Finland to seek an armistice.
1973
Sports
Secretariat Wins Triple Crown
Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes by an astonishing 31 lengths, completing the first Triple Crown in 25 years. His time of 2:24 for 1.5 miles remains a record.