Discover What Happened Today in History
The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Crimean War between Russia and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia. It neutralized the Black Sea and guaranteed the integrity of the Ottoman Empire.
U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward signed a treaty with Russia to purchase Alaska for $7.2 million. Initially ridiculed as 'Seward's Folly,' the acquisition proved immensely valuable for its natural resources.
Dr. Crawford Long of Jefferson, Georgia, first used ether as a surgical anesthetic to remove a tumor from a patient's neck. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of medicine and surgery.
President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded by John Hinckley Jr. outside a Washington, D.C., hotel. Reagan recovered fully, and the event highlighted the vulnerability of public figures.
The beloved Tejano music star Selena was shot and killed by the president of her fan club in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her tragic death at age 23 shocked fans and cemented her status as a cultural icon.