240
Ancient
Shapur I Becomes Sasanian Emperor
Shapur I ascended to the throne of the Sasanian Empire, becoming one of its greatest rulers. He defeated the Roman Emperor Valerian in battle, taking him prisoner.
On This Day in History
1822
Politics
Florida Territory Established
Congress established the Florida Territory, combining East and West Florida after their acquisition from Spain. Andrew Jackson served as the territory's first military governor.
1842
Science
Ether First Used as Anesthesia
Crawford Long performed the first surgery using diethyl ether as an anesthetic in Jefferson, Georgia. The patient, James Venable, had a tumor removed from his neck painlessly.
1856
War & Conflict
Treaty of Paris Ends Crimean War
The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Crimean War. The treaty demilitarized the Black Sea and temporarily weakened Russian influence in southeastern Europe.
1867
Politics
United States Purchases Alaska
Secretary of State William Seward agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, about two cents per acre. Critics called it 'Seward's Folly,' but Alaska proved rich in natural resources.
1981
Crime
President Reagan Shot
President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. The bullet lodged one inch from his heart, but Reagan recovered after emergency surgery.
2010
Science
Large Hadron Collider Achieves Record Energy
CERN's Large Hadron Collider achieved its first particle collisions at record-breaking energy levels. The experiment helped scientists understand the fundamental nature of matter.