China launches Shenzhou spacecraft with 3 astronauts. This was the third human manned space flight mission of China's Space Program.

NASA launches the Mars Observer. The robotic space probe's main goal was to study Mars. Almost a year later all communications with it were lost.

Runners run the first Chicago Marathon. One of the world's six major marathons, which include the marathons in Berlin, Boston, London, New York, and Tokyo, the Chicago Marathon was initially called the Mayor Daley Marathon. The first race was won by Rhud Metzner.

The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria is officially created. Ferhat Abbas was appointed as the President of the Algerian National Assembly, and Ben Bella was seated as the country's new Prime Minister.

Sequoia National Park is established by the United States Congress. The park, situated in the state of California is famous for its giant sequoia trees.