Birth of Sultan Mehmed II

Mehmed II, later known as 'the Conqueror', was born in Edirne, Ottoman Empire. He would go on to capture Constantinople in 1453, ending the Byzantine Empire.

Bartolomeu Dias rounds the Cape of Good Hope

Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa. This opened the sea route to Asia and was a milestone in the Age of Discovery.

First paper money in colonial America

The Massachusetts Bay Colony issued the first paper currency in the American colonies. This was done to fund military expeditions, setting a precedent for colonial finance.

Britain recognizes U.S. independence in preliminary treaty

The preliminary articles of the Treaty of Paris were signed, ending the American Revolutionary War. Britain formally acknowledged the independence of the thirteen colonies, though the final treaty was signed later that year.

First commercial cheese factory in Switzerland

The first factory for making hard cheese was established in Bern, Switzerland. This marked the beginning of industrialized cheese production in Europe.

Fifteenth Amendment ratified in the U.S.

The Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, prohibiting denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude. It was a key achievement of the Reconstruction era.

Sixteenth Amendment ratified in the U.S.

The Sixteenth Amendment was ratified, granting Congress the power to levy an income tax. This fundamentally changed federal revenue and fiscal policy in the United States.

The Day the Music Died

A plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa killed rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson. The tragedy was later immortalized in Don McLean's song 'American Pie'.

First soft landing on the Moon by Luna 9

The Soviet spacecraft Luna 9 made the first controlled landing on the Moon and transmitted photographs from the surface. This was a major milestone in the Space Race.

Karl Sagan dies

American astronomer and science communicator Carl Sagan passed away at age 62. He was known for the TV series 'Cosmos' and for popularizing science to the public.

Super Bowl XLVI: Giants beat Patriots

The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 in Indianapolis. This was the fourth Super Bowl win for the Giants and the second against the Patriots in five years.