It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in North America and the third biggest in the history of the world.
Heaven's Gate
This was the day that police found the bodies of 39 members of a religious cult based in San Diego County.
Spyridon Louis
In 1896 he became a national hero in Greece by winning the first modern-day Olympic marathon.
First Tornado Forecast
On this day in Oklahoma City, Major Ernest J. Fawbush and Captain Robert C. Miller issued the first official and the first successful tornado forecast.
Joseph Smith Gets Tarred and Feathered
On the night of March 24th, 1832 a drunken mob stormed the farmhouse where Joseph Smith was sleeping.
Exxon Valdez
Estimates are that as many 250,000 sea birds, 2,800 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 247 bald eagles and billions of salmon eggs were killed.
The First Elevator
The first successful passenger elevator was installed on this day at 488 Broadway in New York City.
Sgt. Bleak
He's probably the only Medal of Honor recipient whose citation that includes the phrase, "smacked their heads together."
The Deadly Beat
Jean-Baptiste Lully, the Italian composer whose fast-tempoed music livened up the court of France's Louis XIV, died on this day after a 3-month battle with an infection that started with a smashed toe.
The Agony of Defeat
Today was the day that Yugoslavian ski jumper, Vinko Bogataj, wiped out in spectacular fashion during a competition in Oberstdorf, West Germany.
Ota Benga
His extraordinary life became a flashpoint in the debates over race and evolution.
"Not bloody likely!"
It was on this day that Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, were attacked as part of a kidnapping scheme.
37 Days Under an Avalanche
On this date 3 survivors finally emerged from an avalanche after 37 days. It's one of the longest cases on record of anyone surviving after being buried alive in the snow.
Attack of the Crocodiles
It was on this day in what is now Burma, that hundreds of Japanese soldiers were attacked and eaten by crocodiles.
The Tri-State Tornado
The deadliest tornado in U.S. history struck on this day, carving a 219-mile path of destruction across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Huge Heist
The largest property theft in US history happened in the early morning hours of this day.
Burst of Joy
Associated Press photographer, Slava "Sal" Veder snapped a photo that would become an iconic symbol of America's healing in the wake of the Vietnam War.
The Mountain Man
Jim Bridger was one of the first white men to see the geysers of Yellowstone and the Great Salt Lake.
Saint Urho
This pitchfork-wielding Saint drove the grasshoppers out of Finland, or so they say.
World Contact Day
The International Flying Saucer Bureau asked all its members to send out a collective telepathic greeting to visitors from outer space.