Columbus’s first transatlantic voyage begun
Hoping to find a westward route to India, Christopher Columbus on this day in 1492 set sail on his first transatlantic voyage, departing from Palos, Spain, with three small ships—the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María. 1492.
American gymnast Mary Lou Retton won the all-around event at the Los Angeles Games, becoming the first American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. 1984.
The Republic of Niger gained its independence from France. 1960.
Lithuania was “accepted” into the U.S.S.R. following the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states. 1940.
Germany declared war on France in World War I. 1914.
