Today in History

Historical Events

1972

Atari Releases Pong. One of the very first arcade games to hit the market, Pong was a 1 or 2 player video game similar to tennis, where the goal is to use a paddle to hit a ball. Around 35000 Pong consoles were sold around the world.

1951

Silent Coup in Thailand. The Thai military took over the country's governance and reinstated the 1932 Constitution.

1929

First flight over the South Pole. American explorer Richard Byrd became the first person to fly over the South Pole. The flight took just over 18 hours. 3 years ago, Byrd flew over the North Pole, though there is some debate whether he actually accomplished the feat.

1899

FC Barcelona founded. The popular football (soccer) club was founded by footballer Hans Gamper. Informally known as Barça, the club is thought to be one of the top 5 richest football clubs in the world. The club has won 4 European Cups (1978-79, 1981-82, 1988-89, 1996-97) and is a 5 time Champions League winner (1991-92, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2014-15).

1777

City of San Jose Founded. The first city to be settled in California, San Jose was founded as San José de Guadalupe. Before the Spanish settled in the city, the area was inhabitated by the Ohlone people. San Jose was the first capital of the state of California, which was established in 1850.

Famous Births

Born on this day

Mariano Rivera

Mariano Rivera

1969

Panamanian baseball player

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle

1964

American actor, producer

Jacques Chirac

Jacques Chirac

1932

French politician, 22nd President of France

C. S. Lewis

C. S. Lewis

1898

Irish author, poet

Empress Dowager Cixiof China

Empress Dowager Cixiof China

1835

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

George Harrison

George Harrison

2001

English singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer

Graham Hill

Graham Hill

1975

English race car driver

Maria Theresa

Maria Theresa

1780

Austrian wife of Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor

Prince Rupert of the Rhine

Prince Rupert of the Rhine

1682

Frederick V, Elector Palatine

Frederick V, Elector Palatine

1632

Bohemian king