987, Hugh Capet was crowned King of France, founding the Capetian dynasty that ruled until 1792. Learn more →
1608, Explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City, establishing the first permanent European settlement in Canada. Learn more →
1775, George Washington formally took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts, drawing his sword before assembled troops. Learn more →
1844, The last known pair of Great Auks were killed off Iceland's coast at a collector's request, sealing the species' extinction. Learn more →
1863, The Battle of Gettysburg ended as Pickett's Charge failed catastrophically, forcing Robert E. Lee to retreat from Pennsylvania. Learn more →
1890, Idaho was admitted to the United States as the 43rd state after decades of westward expansion. Learn more →
1953, Austrian climber Hermann Buhl completed the first solo ascent of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. Learn more →
1988, USS Vincennes mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 passengers and crew. Learn more →