Discover What Happened Today in History
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon on his first voyage, seeking a sea route to India. His successful journey established a direct maritime link between Europe and Asia, transforming global trade.
The first edition of The Wall Street Journal was published in New York City by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser. It quickly became one of the world's leading financial newspapers.
The Roswell Army Air Field in New Mexico issued a press release stating they had recovered a 'flying disc,' sparking intense public interest. The military later retracted the statement, calling it a weather balloon, but the event became the cornerstone of modern UFO folklore.
Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of North Korea, died of a heart attack. His death ended his 46-year rule and led to the succession of his son, Kim Jong-il, cementing the world's first communist dynasty.
Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on mission STS-135, the final flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program. The mission delivered vital supplies to the International Space Station, marking the end of an era in American spaceflight.