Today in History
Historical Events
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.
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.
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
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.
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
1982
English footballer

Salma Hayek
1966
Mexican/American actress, director, producer

Keanu Reeves
1964
Canadian actor

Ahmad Shah Massoud
1953
Afghan commander

Bill Shankly
1913
Scottish footballer, manager
Famous Deaths
Died on this day

J. R. R. Tolkien
1973
English philologist, author

Ho Chi Minh
1969
Vietnamese politician, 1st President of Vietnam

Sylvanus Morley
1948
American archaeologist, scholar

Pierre de Coubertin
1937
French historian, educator, founded the International Olympic Committee

Henri Rousseau
1910
French painter