1582 — Last day of the Julian calendar in Italy, many Catholic countries
1824 — Mexico becomes a republic
1830 — Provisional government declares secession of Belgium from Netherlands
1864 — New Orleans Tribune, first black daily newspaper, forms
1883 — Orient Express' first run, linking Turkey to Europe by rail
1910 — Portugal becomes a republic, King Manuel II flees to England
1924 — NY Giants become 1st team to appear in 4 consecutive World Series (World Series #21)
1926 — Dahlia is officially designated as SF city flower
1949 — American Contract Bridge League votes 58≪% to keep blacks out
1955 — Rev Sun Young Moon leaves prison in Seoul
1966 — Lesotho (Basutoland) gains independence from Britain (National Day)
1969 — U.N. starts issuing postage stamps at Geneva headquarters
1990 — Regional elections held, in what was East Germany