The Millau viaduct which the highest bridge in the world was officially opened. It is located in the valley of the River Tarn, France and at one point is 343 metres high.

An assassination attempt was made against the president of Pakistan, Pervez Musharaf.

Russian physicist, Andrei D. Sakharov, died at the age of 68. He was one of Soviet Russia's most prominent nuclear physicists and an outspoken pro democracy activist. He was exiled (within Russia) for his political views and in 1975 was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for his efforts in promoting human rights in Soviet Russia. The Soviet government did nor allow him to collect it.

English footballer, Michael Owen, was born in Chester. He has enjoyed a hugely successful and high-profile career, even though he has acquired only a few titles.

The hit movie Saturday Night Fever premiered.

Leonardo Davinci's painting, the Mona Lisa, was insured for 100 million USD, the highest painting valuation in history.

The United Nations General Assembly voted to establish its headquarters in the city of New York.

Alabama became the 22nd U.S. state.

American politician and revolutionary, George Washington, was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was one of the most instrumental figures in America's war for independence and the first president of the United States.

Dartmouth College was founded. It is the smallest school in the Ivy League.

French astrologer and prognosticator, Nostradamus, was born in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. He is history's most famous prophet.