1054 - A supernova is seen by Chinese, Arab and possibly Amerindian observers near the star Zeta Tauri. For several months it remains bright enough to be seen during the day. Its remnants form the Crab Nebula.
1776 - American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. It is a INDEPENDENCE DAY in USA.
1790 - George Everest, geographer, Welsh surveyor, In 1865, Mount Everest was named in his honour (d. 1866).
1796 - 1st Independence Day celebration is held.
1817 - Chief Engineer James Geddes begins construction on the Erie Canal, one of the first great engineering works in North America.
1827 - Slavery abolished in NY.
1836 - Wisconsin Territory forms.
1870 - Pieter van der Lijn, Dutch geologist (Dutch boulders).
1906 - Great Britain, France, and Italy declare independence of Ethiopia (Abyssinia.
1946 - Philippines gains independence from US.
