Check out some of the events that took place on this day in history:

1890 Yosemite National Park Created

Yosemite National Park was created and has now become one of the most visited national parks in the whole of the USA.

1946 MENSA Created

The well known high-IQ society, MENSA, was formed on this day back in 1946. The society was created by Roland Berrill and Dr Lancelot Ware and the only qualification for membership was for an individual to have an IQ in the top 98th percentile of the population.

1960 Nigeria Gain Independence

Nigeria gained independence from Britain but remained a member of the Commonwealth.

1964 Launch Of The Bullet Train

The Shinkansen network of high-speed railway lines opened in Japan coinciding with the Tokyo Olympics.  The first trains, known worldwide as the ‘Bullet Trains’ were able to travel at 210 km/h (130 mph).

1971 Disneyworld Resort Opens

Walt Disney World Resort Opened in Orlando Florida.  It opened with the Magic Kingdom Theme Park and featured Cinderella’s Castle as its main attraction.

1975 The 'Thrilla In Manilla'

Back in 1975 Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in what for many is considered to be the greatest prize fight of all time.

BORN ON THIS DAY

  • 1207 – Henry III, the King of England
  • 1685 – Charles VI, the Holy Roman Emperor
  • 1881 – William Boeing, the American aviation pioneer who created The Boeing Company
  • 1910 – Bonnie Parker, the American outlaw of Bonnie and Clyde notoriety
  • 1924 – Jimmy Carter, the American politician and the 39th President of the USA
  • 1935 – Julie Andrews, the British actress and singer famous for her role in the Sound of Music
  • 1956 – Theresa May, the politician and British Prime Minister
  • 1964 – Harry Hill, the British comedian

DIED ON THIS DAY

  • 2019 – Peter Sissons, the British newsreader
  • 2014 – Lynsey de Paul, the British singer and actress
  • 2013 – Tom Clancy, the American author
  • 2000 – Reggie Kray, the British gangster and one of the Kray Twins