Today:
753 BC – According to legend, Romulus founded the city of Rome.
1509 – Henry VIII ascended the throne of England after the death of his father, Henry VII.
1782 – The city of Bangkok was officially founded as the capital of Thailand (then Siam).
1836 – The Battle of San Jacinto took place, where Texan forces led by Sam Houston defeated Mexican General Santa Anna.
1910 – Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), famous American author, died.
1918 – German fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the Red Baron, was shot down and killed in World War I.
1960 – Brasília was officially inaugurated as the capital of Brazil, replacing Rio de Janeiro.
1962 – The Seattle World’s Fair (Century 21 Exposition) opened, featuring the Space Needle.
1989 – Thousands protested in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square calling for democratic reforms.
2016 – Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday, becoming the first British monarch to reach that age.