Fiji experienced its fourth military coup in 20 years
Military commander Frank Bainimarama overthrew the democratically elected government, citing corruption concerns. He declared martial law and assumed...
Historical Events
2006
2005
A British man was banned from his local pub for having the world's loudest snore
The landlord took the unprecedented step after guests complained about the 92-decibel snoring from a customer sleeping in the corner. The snore was re...
1996
Alan Greenspan delivered his famous "irrational exuberance" speech
The Federal Reserve chairman questioned whether stock prices had become inflated during a televised dinner speech. Markets worldwide plummeted within...
1952
The Great Smog of London began, killing an estimated 12,000 people over five days
MajorA thick, deadly fog caused by coal smoke and weather conditions descended on London. Visibility dropped to near zero, with people unable to see their...
1945
Five U.S. Navy bombers vanished in the Bermuda Triangle during Flight 19
The training flight with 14 crew members disappeared without a trace off the coast of Florida. The rescue plane sent to find them also vanished with 1...
1933
Prohibition ended in the United States after nearly 14 years
MajorThe 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending the "noble experiment" of banning alcohol. Within hours, liquor stores and ba...
1901
Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois
MajorThe future animation pioneer and entertainment mogul entered the world. He would go on to create Mickey Mouse, build Disneyland, and establish an empi...
1888
A man tried to patent the fire hydrant, not realizing the original patent had burned in a fire
The irony was lost on the inventor who attempted to claim he'd invented the fire hydrant. The original 1801 patent had been destroyed in the U.S. Pate...
1872
The Mary Celeste was found abandoned and adrift in the Atlantic Ocean
The merchant ship was discovered in perfect condition with cargo intact, but all crew had mysteriously vanished. The table was set for breakfast, and...
1848
President James K. Polk triggered the California Gold Rush with a speech to Congress
Polk confirmed the discovery of gold in California during his State of the Union address, sparking a mass migration of 300,000 people to the West. The...
1766
Christie's auction house held its first sale in London
James Christie conducted his first auction, selling artwork and other items from a room in Pall Mall. The company would go on to become one of the wor...
1492
Christopher Columbus became the first European to set foot on the island of Hispaniola
Columbus arrived at what is now Haiti and the Dominican Republic during his first voyage to the Americas. He claimed the island for Spain and establis...