1306
Politics
Robert the Bruce Crowned King of Scotland
Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scotland at Scone. He would lead Scotland in the Wars of Independence against England and secure Scottish sovereignty at Bannockburn.
On This Day in History
1513
Exploration
Ponce de Leon Sights Florida
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sighted land he named 'La Florida,' becoming the first recorded European to reach what is now the continental United States.
1794
Politics
U.S. Navy Established
Congress passed the Naval Act, authorizing the construction of six frigates and establishing the United States Navy. The act was prompted by threats to American merchant shipping.
1836
War & Conflict
Goliad Massacre
Mexican forces executed approximately 350 Texan prisoners of war at Goliad on orders from General Santa Anna. 'Remember Goliad!' became a rallying cry alongside 'Remember the Alamo!'
1964
Disaster
Good Friday Earthquake in Alaska
A magnitude 9.2 earthquake, the most powerful ever recorded in North America, struck Alaska's Prince William Sound. The earthquake and resulting tsunami killed 131 people.
1977
Disaster
Tenerife Airport Disaster
Two Boeing 747s collided on the runway at Los Rodeos Airport in Tenerife, Canary Islands, killing 583 people. It remains the deadliest accident in aviation history.
1998
Science
FDA Approves Viagra
The FDA approved sildenafil citrate, sold as Viagra, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It quickly became one of the most commercially successful drugs in pharmaceutical history.