Today in History
Historical Events
Saddam Hussein captured. Saddam Hussein, the fifth president of Iraq, was found hiding in a camouflaged hole in the ground and was captured by American forces near Tikrit, Iraq. The military operation that led to his capture was called Operation Red Dawn. He was subsequently handed over to the interim Iraqi government. After a trial where he was found guilty of crimes against humanity, he was executed 3 years after his capture in December 2006.
Attack on Indian parliament. The Indian parliament, the Sansad, was attacked by terrorists. 15 people, including the terrorists were killed during the attack.
Last human landing on the Moon. Apollo 17 was the last mission of the United States' Apollo lunar landing program. It was also the sixth and the last time humans landed on the Moon.
Meteorite crashes into Wold Newton in Yorkshire, England.. Major Edward Topham owned the land where the meteorite crashed. He exhibited it later, and today it is in the Natural History Museum in London.
First European to Reach New Zealand. Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer and merchant, reached the coast of South Island in New Zealand, and named it Staten Landt. Tasman was also the first European in recorded history to step foot on Tasmania, an island state in Australia. Tasman claimed the island for the Dutch crown. It is named after him as well.
Famous Births
Born on this day

Taylor Swift
1989
American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actress

Ted Nugent
1948
American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor

Aga Khan IVSwiss/French 49th Nizari Ismaili Imam
1936

Talcott Parsons
1902
American sociologist

Mary Todd Lincoln
1818
American wife of Abraham Lincoln, 17th First Lady of the United States
Famous Deaths
Died on this day

Richard Holbrooke
2010
American journalist, banker, diplomat, 22nd United States Ambassador to the United Nations

Stanley Williams
2005
American gang leader, co-founded the Crips

Wassily Kandinsky
1944
Russian/French painter

Samuel Johnson
1784
English author, lexicographer

Maimonides
1204
Spanish rabbi, philosopher