Today in History
What happened today in history?
Today is April 20. A chronological timetable of historical events that occurred today in history. Historical facts of the day in the areas of military, politics, science, music, sports, arts, entertainment and more. Discover what happened this day in history.
This day in History
?>1999
Two students enter Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado and open fire with multiple firearms, killing 13 students and teachers, wounding 25 and eventually shooting themselves.
1967
U.S. planes bomb Haiphong for first time during the Vietnam War.
1962
The New Orleans Citizens Committee gives free one-way ride to blacks to move North.
1953
Operation Little Switch begins in Korea, the exchange of sick and wounded prisoners of war.
1951
General Douglas MacArthur addresses a joint session of Congress after being relieved by President Harry Truman.
1945
Soviet troops begin their attack on Berlin.
1942
Pierre Laval, the premier of Vichy France, in a radio broadcast, establishes a policy of “true reconciliation with Germany.”
1940
The first electron microscope is demonstrated.
1919
The Polish Army captures Vilno, Lithuania from the Soviets.
1916
The first National League game is played at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, then known as Weeghman Park. The park was renamed Cubs Park in 1920 and Wrigley Field, for the Chicago Cubs owner, in 1926.
1879
The first mobile home (horse-drawn) is used in a journey from London to Cyprus.
1861
Robert E. Lee resigns from the U.S. Army.
1841
Edgar Allen Poe’s first detective story is published.
1836
The Territory of Wisconsin is created.
1809
Napoleon Bonaparte defeats Austria at Battle of Abensberg, Bavaria.
1792
France declares war on Austria, Prussia, and Sardinia.
1775
British troops begin the siege of Boston.
1770
Captain Cook discovers Australia.
1769
Ottawa Chief Pontiac is murdered by an Indian in Cahokia.
1657
English Admiral Robert Blake fights his last battle when he destroys the Spanish fleet in Santa Cruz Bay.
1139
The Second Lateran Council opens in Rome.