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1983

Sega's first home video game console, the SG-1000 (pictured), was released in Japan.

Sega's first home video game console, the SG-1000 (pictured), was released in Japan.

1943

The all-female Emilia Plater Independent Women's Battalion was formed in the Soviet Union's First Polish Army.

The all-female Emilia Plater Independent Women's Battalion was formed in the Soviet Union's First Polish Army.

2004

Millennium Park, considered Chicago's first and most ambitious early 21st-century architectural project, is opened to…

Millennium Park, considered Chicago's first and most ambitious early 21st-century architectural project, is opened to the public by Mayor Richard M. Daley.

1931

Emperor Haile Selassie signs the first constitution of Ethiopia.

Emperor Haile Selassie signs the first constitution of Ethiopia.

1916

Max Reger's Hebbel Requiem is first performed in a memorial concert for the composer, conducted by Philipp Wolfrum.

Max Reger's Hebbel Requiem is first performed in a memorial concert for the composer, conducted by Philipp Wolfrum.

1915

At Treasure Island on the Delaware River in the United States, the First Order of the Arrow ceremony takes place and…

At Treasure Island on the Delaware River in the United States, the First Order of the Arrow ceremony takes place and the Order of the Arrow is founded to honor American Boy Scouts who best exemplify t�

1862

American Civil War: David Farragut is promoted to rear admiral, becoming the first officer in United States Navy to…

American Civil War: David Farragut is promoted to rear admiral, becoming the first officer in United States Navy to hold an admiral rank.

1861

American Civil War: At the order of President Abraham Lincoln, Union troops begin a 25-mile march into Virginia for…

American Civil War: At the order of President Abraham Lincoln, Union troops begin a 25-mile march into Virginia for what will become the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the wa�

1769

Father Junípero Serra founds California's first mission, Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Over the following decades, it…

Father Junípero Serra founds California's first mission, Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Over the following decades, it evolves into the city of San Diego, California.

1661

The first banknotes in Europe are issued by the Swedish bank Stockholms Banco.

The first banknotes in Europe are issued by the Swedish bank Stockholms Banco.

1882

Mary Todd Lincoln, First Lady of the United States 1861–1865 (born 1818)

Mary Todd Lincoln, First Lady of the United States 1861–1865 (born 1818)

1994

Fragments of Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 began colliding with the planet Jupiter , with the first impact causing a fireball…

Fragments of Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 began colliding with the planet Jupiter , with the first impact causing a fireball that reached a peak temperature of 24,000 kelvin.

1951

The Catcher in the Rye, an American coming-of-age novel by J. D. Salinger, was first published (cover pictured).

The Catcher in the Rye, an American coming-of-age novel by J. D. Salinger, was first published (cover pictured).

1945

The United States conducted the first detonation of a nuclear weapon during the Trinity test (pictured).

The United States conducted the first detonation of a nuclear weapon during the Trinity test (pictured).

1931

Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie promulgated the nation's first modern constitution.

Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie promulgated the nation's first modern constitution.

1916

Max Reger's Hebbel Requiem was first performed in a memorial concert for the composer, conducted by Philipp Wolfrum.

Max Reger's Hebbel Requiem was first performed in a memorial concert for the composer, conducted by Philipp Wolfrum.

1954

First Indochina War: Viet Minh troops successfully ambush the armoured French column 'G.M. 42' in the Battle of Chu…

First Indochina War: Viet Minh troops successfully ambush the armoured French column 'G.M. 42' in the Battle of Chu Dreh Pass in the Central Highlands. It is the last battle of the war.

1899

NEC Corporation is organized as the first Japanese joint venture with foreign capital.

NEC Corporation is organized as the first Japanese joint venture with foreign capital.

1867

Harvard School of Dental Medicine is established in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the first dental school in the U.S.…

Harvard School of Dental Medicine is established in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the first dental school in the U.S. that is affiliated with a university.

1850

Vega becomes the first star (other than the Sun) to be photographed.

Vega becomes the first star (other than the Sun) to be photographed.