An huge avalanche destroyed most of the village of Galtur, Austria. 31 people died in the incident.

A series of tornadoes hit the US state of Florida causing damage to more than 2,500 buildings and killing more than 40 people.

A military coup took place in Syria by a group of army officers.

British actor and comedian, Stan Laurel, died at the age of 74. He is famous for having been part of the comedy duet act of Laurel and Hardy, which enjoyed tremendous worldwide success throughout the first half of the 20th century and for much of the rest as reruns are still aired today.

American chemist, Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, isolated and produced plutonium for the first time.

American actor, Peter Fonda, was born in New York. Although he was closely associated with western themed movies he is best known for writing, starring and producing the cult classic movie, Easy Rider.

The United State leased Guantanamo Bay from the government of Cuba.

French novelist, Emile Zola, was imprisoned by the French government after he had written a letter accusing it anti-Semitism in regards to the wrongful imprisonment of Captain Alfred Dreyfus.

The diesel engine was patented by German inventor, Rudolf Diesel.

A strong earthquake struck the French Riviera killing more than 1500 people in its wake.

President of the United States, John Quincy Adams, died at the age of 80. He was the 6th president of the United States and is best remembered as having been one of the strongest supporters of the abolition of slavery in the United States.

The Siege of the Alamo began in San Antonio, Texas. It was a battle that was fought between the forces of the Republic of Mexico and rebel Texan forces. The battle ended with the Mexican Army claiming victory after a 12 day siege, although Mexican forces won the battle it had the effect of raising considerable support for Texan independence.