Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico during his second voyage to the Americas.
In History, Today on November 19
Today we explore events from the year 1493 to the year 2016. Events span the globe, from the countries of Spain, United States, Soviet Union, Mali.
1493
Puerto Rico, Spain
1863
Gettysburg, United States
U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
1942
Stalingrad, Soviet Union
The Soviet Union launched Operation Uranus during World War II, a counteroffensive that encircled German forces in Stalingrad.
1950
New York City, United States
The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 377, known as the 'Uniting for Peace' resolution, allowing the General Assembly to act if the Security Council fails to maintain international peace.
1969
Moon, United States
Apollo 12 astronauts Charles Conrad and Alan Bean became the third and fourth humans to walk on the Moon.
1998
Washington, D.C., United States
The United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee began impeachment hearings against President Bill Clinton.
2002
Galicia, Spain
The oil tanker Prestige sinks off the coast of Galicia, Spain, causing a major environmental disaster as it spills thousands of tons of oil into the Atlantic Ocean.
2004
Auburn Hills, United States
Malice at the Palace, a brawl between players and fans, occurs during an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons.
2006
North America, United States
Nintendo releases the Wii, a revolutionary gaming console that introduces motion-sensing controls, in North America.
2010
Washington, D.C., United States
The United States Senate passes the Food Safety Modernization Act, which aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it.
2013
Cape Canaveral, United States
NASA launches the MAVEN spacecraft to study the Martian atmosphere, aiming to understand the planet's climate history and potential habitability.
2015
Bamako, Mali
Mali hotel attack: Gunmen take 170 hostages at the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali.
2016
New York City, United States
The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopts Resolution 2319, condemning the use of chemical weapons in Syria and calling for accountability for those responsible.