1177-Battle of Montgisard: Baldwin IV of Jerusalem defeats Saladin and a larger Ayyubid force
1783-Britain evacuates New York City, its last military position in the United States
1839-Cyclone slams southeastern India with high winds and a 40-foot storm surge, destroying the city of Coringa. Storm waves sweep inland, destroying 20,000 ships and killing an estimated 300,000 people.
1905-The first telegraph transmitter with a one-mile range is advertised in "Scientific American" for $8.50
1973-Bloodless military coup ousts Greek President George Papadopoulos
1986-Iran-Contra affair erupts as President Reagan reveals a secret arms deal
1990-Lech Wałęsa wins Poland's first popular election
1994-Sony founder Akio Morita announces he will be stepping down as CEO of the company