Historical Events
1340
Battle of Sluys: England defeats France in the first major battle of the Hundred Years' War.
1497
John Cabot lands in North America, becoming the first European to reach the mainland since the Norse.
1948
The Soviet Union begins the Berlin Blockade.
1982
British Airways Flight 9 flies through a cloud of volcanic ash from Mount Galunggung.
2011
Saudi Arabia grants women the right to vote and run in municipal elections.
Famous Birthdays
1542
St. John of the Cross
Spanish mystic, Carmelite friar, and Doctor of the Church.
1813
Henry Ward Beecher
American Congregationalist clergyman and social reformer who campaigned against slavery.
1895
Jack Dempsey
American professional boxer and world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926.
1944
Jeff Beck
British rock musician and guitarist known for his work with the Yardbirds.
1987
Minka Kelly
American actress known for Friday Night Lights.
