Today in History

Historical Events

2001

Enron Files for Bankruptcy. The Houston, Texas-based energy company filed for Chapter Eleven bankruptcy after reports of widespread accounting fraud became public. At that time, the company became the largest company in the history of the United States to declare bankruptcy.

1988

Benazir Bhutto is sworn in as Prime Minister. Benazir Bhutto takes office as Pakistan's Prime Minister, becoming the first woman PM of Pakistan.

1982

First artificial heart transplant. Barney Clark became the first person to receive a permanent artificial heart. The surgery occurred at the University of Utah Medical Center. Clark lived for 112 days after the transplant.

1939

LaGuardia Airport in New York City opens its doors. The airport was named after New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. American Airlines was the first carrier to regularly provide passenger service.

1804

Napoleon is crowned Emperor of France. Napoleon Bonaparte had risen through the ranks of the French army during the French revolution and became one of the most influential political figures of his era. His self-coronation as Napoleon I took place in Notre Dame in Paris, France.

Famous Births

Born on this day

Britney Spears

Britney Spears

1981

American singer-songwriter, dancer, actress

Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado

1978

Canadian singer-songwriter, producer

Maria Callas

Maria Callas

1923

Greek soprano

Pedro II of Brazil

Pedro II of Brazil

1825

John Breckinridge

John Breckinridge

1760

American politician, 5th United States Attorney General

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

Pablo Escobar

Pablo Escobar

1993

Colombian drug lord

Aaron Copland

Aaron Copland

1990

American composer

Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin

1985

English poet

John Brown

John Brown

1859

American activist

Marquis de Sade

Marquis de Sade

1814

French author, politician