241
Ancient
Roman Emperor Gordian III Dies
Young Emperor Gordian III died during a campaign against the Sasanian Empire near the Euphrates. He was succeeded by Philip the Arab, who negotiated peace with Persia.
On This Day in History
1629
Politics
King Charles I Dissolves Parliament
King Charles I dissolved Parliament and began 11 years of personal rule without legislative consent. This period of 'Personal Rule' contributed to the tensions that led to the English Civil War.
1804
Politics
Louisiana Purchase Transfer Ceremony
The formal transfer of the Louisiana Territory from France to the United States took place in St. Louis. The purchase had doubled the size of the nation for approximately $15 million.
1876
Invention
First Telephone Call Made by Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call, speaking to his assistant Thomas Watson in the next room: 'Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you.'
1906
Disaster
Courrieres Mine Disaster in France
An explosion at the Courrieres mine in northern France killed 1,099 miners, making it the worst mining disaster in European history. It led to significant improvements in mine safety regulations.
1952
Politics
Fulgencio Batista Seizes Power in Cuba
General Fulgencio Batista staged a coup and seized power in Cuba, canceling planned elections. His authoritarian rule would fuel the revolutionary movement led by Fidel Castro.
2006
Space
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Arrives at Mars
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter entered orbit around Mars after a seven-month journey. The spacecraft's powerful cameras have provided the most detailed images of the Martian surface.