Today in History

Historical Events

1960

The First election of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile is held. The parliamentary body of the Central Tibetan Administration was elected and formed by Tibetan exiles in India. The day is celebrated as Democracy Day among Tibetan exiles.

1946

Interim government of India is formed. The interim government and the Constituent Assembly of India were given the task to oversee India's transition to independence from British rule. The government was headed by Jawaharlal Nehru.

1789

U.S. Department of the Treasury is formed. The department is responsible for managing the government's revenue and spending. Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury

1752

U.K. adopts the Gregorian Calendar. The calendar, also sometimes known as the Western Calendar, is one of the most widely used calendars today. Prior to the switch, Britain and its territories followed the Julian Calendar. Due to the change, the British lost 11 days when September 2 was followed by September 14.

1666

A fire ravishes the city of London. Also known as the Great Fire of London, the fire broke out in a bakery and raged for 4 days destroying the houses of most inhabitants of the city.

Famous Births

Born on this day

Joey Barton

Joey Barton

1982

English footballer

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek

1966

Mexican/American actress, director, producer

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves

1964

Canadian actor

Ahmad Shah Massoud

Ahmad Shah Massoud

1953

Afghan commander

Bill Shankly

Bill Shankly

1913

Scottish footballer, manager

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

J. R. R. Tolkien

J. R. R. Tolkien

1973

English philologist, author

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh

1969

Vietnamese politician, 1st President of Vietnam

Sylvanus Morley

Sylvanus Morley

1948

American archaeologist, scholar

Pierre de Coubertin

Pierre de Coubertin

1937

French historian, educator, founded the International Olympic Committee

Henri Rousseau

Henri Rousseau

1910

French painter