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1960

Ghana became a republic, with Kwame Nkrumah as its first president.

Ghana became a republic, with Kwame Nkrumah as its first president.

1959

B. Anthony Stewart is credited with the first image on the cover of National Geographic featuring the 49-star flag of…

B. Anthony Stewart is credited with the first image on the cover of National Geographic featuring the 49-star flag of the United States after Alaska's admission to the Union as a U.S. state.

1948

The first flight departed New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport, then known as New York International…

The first flight departed New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport, then known as New York International Airport.

1935

The first Grant Park Music Festival was held in Chicago's Grant Park.

The first Grant Park Music Festival was held in Chicago's Grant Park.

1921

Yan Ruisheng (advertisement pictured), the first full-length Chinese film, is released in Shanghai.

Yan Ruisheng (advertisement pictured), the first full-length Chinese film, is released in Shanghai.

1874

The Remington No. 1, the first commercially successful typewriter, went on sale.

The Remington No. 1, the first commercially successful typewriter, went on sale.

1849

Belgium introduced its first series of postage stamps, known as epaulettes (example pictured).

Belgium introduced its first series of postage stamps, known as epaulettes (example pictured).

1643

The Westminster Assembly of Divines first assembled to restructure the Church of England.

The Westminster Assembly of Divines first assembled to restructure the Church of England.

1523

Jan van Essen and Hendrik Vos were burnt at the stake in Brussels (pictured), becoming the first Lutherans executed by…

Jan van Essen and Hendrik Vos were burnt at the stake in Brussels (pictured), becoming the first Lutherans executed by the Council of Brabant.

1724

On the Feast of the Visitation, Bach led the first performance of his Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10, based on…

On the Feast of the Visitation, Bach led the first performance of his Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10, based on the German Magnificat.

1988

Kylie Minogue's first album, Kylie, was released, and went on to top the charts in the UK and New Zealand.

Kylie Minogue's first album, Kylie, was released, and went on to top the charts in the UK and New Zealand.

1837

The Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway with steam traction, opened between Birmingham and…

The Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway with steam traction, opened between Birmingham and Newton Junction.

2004

Indonesia held its first direct presidential elections, which resulted in the election of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as…

Indonesia held its first direct presidential elections, which resulted in the election of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as President of Indonesia after the second round on September 20.

1954

Elvis Presley recorded his first single, "That's All Right", at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee.

Elvis Presley recorded his first single, "That's All Right", at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee.

1841

Thomas Cook, the founder of the British travel company Thomas Cook & Son, organised his first excursion, escorting…

Thomas Cook, the founder of the British travel company Thomas Cook & Son, organised his first excursion, escorting about 500 people from Leicester to Loughborough.

2013

In the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 777 airliner, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 (wreckage pictured) crashed on…

In the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 777 airliner, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 (wreckage pictured) crashed on final approach to San Francisco International Airport, resulting in three deaths.

2009

Jadranka Kosor became the first female prime minister of Croatia.

Jadranka Kosor became the first female prime minister of Croatia.

1907

Inspired by the Folies Bergère of Paris, American impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. (pictured) staged the first of his…

Inspired by the Folies Bergère of Paris, American impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. (pictured) staged the first of his Ziegfeld Follies.

1874

Members of the North-West Mounted Police at Fort Dufferin began their March West, their first journey to the Canadian…

Members of the North-West Mounted Police at Fort Dufferin began their March West, their first journey to the Canadian Prairies.

1776

The United States Declaration of Independence received its first formal public reading, in Philadelphia.

The United States Declaration of Independence received its first formal public reading, in Philadelphia.