Historical Events
1377
Pope Gregory XI moves the papacy back to Rome from Avignon, France.
1773
Captain James Cook's Resolution becomes the first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle.
1917
The US purchases the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million.
1945
Soviet troops liberate Warsaw from Nazi Germany.
1994
The Northridge earthquake (6.7 magnitude) strikes Los Angeles, killing 57 people.
Famous Birthdays
1706
Benjamin Franklin
American Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat who discovered electricity with a kite.
1899
Al Capone
American gangster who became one of the most notorious crime bosses during Prohibition.
1942
Muhammad Ali
Heavyweight boxing champion considered the greatest boxer of all time.
1960
Michelle Obama
Lawyer and author who served as First Lady of the United States (2009–2017).
1962
Jim Carrey
Canadian-American comedian and actor known for The Mask and The Truman Show.
