1781 - The German-born English astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered the planet Georgium Sidus, later known as Uranus.
1852 - "Uncle Sam" cartoon appeared for the first time in N.Y. Lantern weekly.
1868 - The Senate began President Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial.
1906 - Suffragist Susan B. Anthony died.
1925 - Tennessee passed a bill prohibiting the teaching of evolution in public schools.
1930 - Clyde W. Tombaugh announced the discovery of the planet Pluto.
1972 - Britain and China resumed full diplomatic relations after 22 years; Britain withdrew its consulate from Taiwan.
1996 - A man shot dead 16 children and a woman teacher in a school in Dunblane, Scotland. He then shot himself.