1827 – Duke of Wellington appointed British supreme commander
1852 – British recognize independence of Transvaal (in South Africa)
1873 – A group of Modoc warriors defeats the United States Army in the First Battle of the Stronghold, a part of the Modoc War
1893 – Franco-Russian Alliance is signed
1938 – Joseph P. Kennedy becomes the 44th United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom
1960 – 10th NFL Pro Bowl, LA Memorial Coliseum: Western Conference beats Eastern Conference, 38-21; MVPs: Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts, QB; Eugene Lipscomb, Baltimore Colts, DL
1970 – John M Burgess installed as bishop of Protestant Episcopals (Mass)
1989 – Gunman opens fire in California schoolyard; 5 students slain, 30 wounded
1989 – Phoenix Suns cancel game at Miami Heat, due to racial unrest in Miami
1991 – Operation Desert Storm begins, with US-led coalition forces bombing Iraq, during the Gulf War