Discover What Happened Today in History
Captain Arthur Phillip and the British First Fleet landed at Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, establishing the first permanent European settlement in Australia. This date is commemorated as Australia Day, marking the foundation of the colony of New South Wales.
Michigan was admitted to the Union as the 26th state. Its admission followed the resolution of a boundary dispute with Ohio known as the Toledo War, with Michigan receiving the Upper Peninsula as compensation.
The Constitution of India came into force, completing the country's transition to a sovereign republic. This day is celebrated annually as Republic Day, marking the date India formally became a republic separate from British rule.
A bomb exploded on JAT Yugoslav Airlines Flight 367 over Czechoslovakia, causing the aircraft to break apart. Only one person, a flight attendant, survived the fall from 33,000 feet, in one of aviation's most remarkable survival stories.
U.S. President Bill Clinton publicly denied having 'sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky,' referring to White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The statement initiated a major political scandal that led to Clinton's impeachment by the House of Representatives.