1901
Politics
President McKinley Shot
President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley died eight days later, and Theodore Roosevelt became president.
On This Day in History
1522
Exploration
Magellan's Expedition Completes Circumnavigation
The Victoria, the last surviving ship of Ferdinand Magellan's fleet, completed the first circumnavigation of the globe. Only 18 of the original 270 crew members survived the three-year voyage.
1997
Culture
Princess Diana's Funeral
An estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide watched the funeral of Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey. Elton John's performance of 'Candle in the Wind' became the best-selling single of all time.
1620
Exploration
Mayflower Departs England
The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, carrying 102 Pilgrims seeking religious freedom in the New World. Their journey and settlement at Plymouth Colony became foundational to American identity.
1944
War & Conflict
First V-2 Rocket Attack
Germany launched V-2 rockets against Paris, the first ballistic missile attacks in history. The terror weapons, designed by Wernher von Braun, killed thousands but also pioneered space rocket technology.
1847
Culture
Henry David Thoreau Leaves Walden Pond
Thoreau left his cabin at Walden Pond after two years of deliberate living. His account of the experience, Walden, became a classic of American literature and environmentalist thought.
1991
Politics
Leningrad Renamed St. Petersburg
The Russian city of Leningrad reverted to its original name of St. Petersburg following the fall of communism. The name change symbolized Russia's rejection of its Soviet past.