597
Ancient
Siege of Rome by the Visigoths Begins
Visigothic forces under King Alaric I began besieging Rome. The siege was the first of three that would culminate in the sack of Rome in 410.
On This Day in History
1621
Exploration
Samoset Makes Contact with Plymouth Colonists
Samoset, an Abenaki sagamore, walked into the Plymouth colony and greeted the Pilgrims in English. He introduced them to Squanto, who helped them survive.
1802
War & Conflict
U.S. Military Academy at West Point Established
Congress authorized the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. The academy has trained many of the nation's most distinguished military leaders.
1850
Culture
Nathaniel Hawthorne Publishes 'The Scarlet Letter'
Nathaniel Hawthorne published 'The Scarlet Letter,' set in Puritan Massachusetts. The novel became a classic of American literature and a searing critique of moral hypocrisy.
1926
Space
Robert Goddard Launches First Liquid-Fueled Rocket
Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-propellant rocket at Auburn, Massachusetts. The rocket flew for only 2.5 seconds, but the achievement laid the groundwork for modern rocketry.
1968
War & Conflict
My Lai Massacre
American soldiers killed between 347 and 504 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians in the village of My Lai. When exposed, the massacre fueled anti-war sentiment in the United States.
2003
Civil Rights
Rachel Corrie Killed in Gaza
American peace activist Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli military bulldozer while protesting the demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah, Gaza. Her death became a symbol of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.