Today in History
Historical Events
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.
Silent Coup in Thailand. The Thai military took over the country's governance and reinstated the 1932 Constitution.
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.
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).
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
1969
Panamanian baseball player

Don Cheadle
1964
American actor, producer

Jacques Chirac
1932
French politician, 22nd President of France

C. S. Lewis
1898
Irish author, poet

Empress Dowager Cixiof China
1835
Famous Deaths
Died on this day

George Harrison
2001
English singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer

Graham Hill
1975
English race car driver

Maria Theresa
1780
Austrian wife of Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor

Prince Rupert of the Rhine
1682

Frederick V, Elector Palatine
1632
Bohemian king