1025: Bolesław I the Brave is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland

1506: The cornerstone of the current St. Peter’s Basilica is laid in the Vatican by Pope Julius II

1775: Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott ride from Charlestown to Lexington warning “the regulars are coming!”

1783: American Revolution: George Washington issues General Orders announcing the end of hostilities with Britain, giving thanks to the Almighty, and offering congratulations and authorizing an extra ration of alcohol to the troops to celebrate

1906: San Francisco earthquake and fire kills nearly 4,000 while destroying 75% of the city

1909: Joan of Arc receives beatification by the Roman Catholic Church at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican

1954: Egyptian Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser seizes power and appoints himself Prime Minister

Source: Onthisday.com