1617 ― First one-way streets established (London)
1833 ― Britain abolishes slavery in colonies; 700,000 slaves freed
1872 ― First Japanese commercial ship visits San Francisco carrying tea
1889 ― First ship-to-shore wireless message received in U.S.
1904 ― Automobile tire chain patented
1914 ― Japan declares war on Germany in WWI
1924 ― Mars' closest approach to Earth since the 10th century
1944 ― Romania liberated from Nazi occupation (National Day 1944-1990)
1960 ― World's largest frog (3.3 kg) caught (Equatorial Guinea)
1979 ― U.N.'s Vienna office opens