537
Ancient
Siege of Rome Begins
The Ostrogothic king Vitiges began the siege of Rome, which was defended by the Byzantine general Belisarius. The siege lasted over a year and was a pivotal event in the Gothic War.
On This Day in History
1836
Politics
Texas Declares Independence from Mexico
Delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos signed the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. The new Republic of Texas would exist for nearly a decade before joining the United States.
1877
Politics
Rutherford B. Hayes Declared President
The Electoral Commission declared Rutherford B. Hayes the winner of the disputed 1876 presidential election. The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended Reconstruction in the South.
1917
Civil Rights
Jones-Shafroth Act Grants U.S. Citizenship to Puerto Ricans
President Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act, granting U.S. citizenship to residents of Puerto Rico. The act also established a bill of rights for the territory.
1933
Culture
King Kong Premieres in New York
The original King Kong film premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The groundbreaking special effects revolutionized filmmaking and created an enduring cultural icon.
1962
Sports
Wilt Chamberlain Scores 100 Points
Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA game, playing for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks. The record has never been broken.
1972
Space
Pioneer 10 Launched
NASA launched Pioneer 10, the first spacecraft designed to travel through the asteroid belt and study Jupiter. It carried a gold plaque with a message for any extraterrestrial life.