1431
War & Conflict
Joan of Arc Burned at the Stake
Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, France, at age 19 after being convicted of heresy. She was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920.
On This Day in History
1536
Politics
Henry VIII Marries Jane Seymour
King Henry VIII married Jane Seymour, his third wife, just eleven days after the execution of Anne Boleyn. Jane would give Henry his long-desired son but die shortly after childbirth.
1868
Politics
Memorial Day First Observed
The first national Memorial Day was observed, honoring Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day.
1883
Disaster
Stampede at Brooklyn Bridge Opening Kills 12
A stampede on the Brooklyn Bridge killed 12 people and injured many more. A woman tripping on the stairs caused panic among the crowd, who feared the bridge was collapsing.
1911
Sports
First Indianapolis 500 Race
The first Indianapolis 500 automobile race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ray Harroun won the 500-mile race at an average speed of 74.6 mph.
1922
Culture
Lincoln Memorial Dedicated
President Warren Harding dedicated the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The memorial, featuring Daniel Chester French's iconic seated Lincoln, became one of America's most beloved monuments.
1971
Space
Mariner 9 Launched to Mars
NASA launched the Mariner 9 spacecraft toward Mars. It became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet, mapping 85% of Mars's surface.