1519
Culture
Leonardo da Vinci Dies
Leonardo da Vinci died at Amboise, France, at age 67. The Renaissance master left behind a legacy spanning art, science, engineering, and anatomy.
On This Day in History
1808
War & Conflict
Spanish Uprising Against Napoleon Begins
Citizens of Madrid rose up against the French occupation, sparking the Peninsular War. Goya later immortalized the uprising and its brutal suppression in his famous paintings.
1863
War & Conflict
Stonewall Jackson Wounded at Chancellorsville
Confederate General 'Stonewall' Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He died of pneumonia eight days later.
1885
Politics
Congo Free State Established
King Leopold II of Belgium established the Congo Free State as his personal colony. His brutal exploitation of the Congolese people became one of the worst atrocities of colonialism.
1933
Culture
First Modern Sighting of the Loch Ness Monster
John Mackay and his wife reported seeing a large creature in Loch Ness, Scotland. The sighting sparked a global fascination with the 'Loch Ness Monster' that continues today.
1945
War & Conflict
Soviet Forces Capture Berlin
Soviet forces completed the capture of Berlin after fierce street fighting. The fall of the German capital was the final major battle of World War II in Europe.
2011
War & Conflict
Osama bin Laden Killed
U.S. Navy SEALs killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The operation ended a decade-long manhunt following the 9/11 attacks.