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1979

The Sugarhill Gang released their first single, Rapper's Delight.

The Sugarhill Gang released their first single, Rapper's Delight.

1870

Nathaniel P. Langford of the Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition first observed a geyser in the Wyoming Territory…

Nathaniel P. Langford of the Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition first observed a geyser in the Wyoming Territory erupting at regular intervals, naming it Old Faithful (video featured).

1796

War of the First Coalition: General Franz Petrasch's Austrian and Imperial troops stormed the French-held bridgehead…

War of the First Coalition: General Franz Petrasch's Austrian and Imperial troops stormed the French-held bridgehead over the Rhine river.

96

Nerva (depicted), the first of the "Five Good Emperors" of ancient Rome, came to power following the assassination of…

Nerva (depicted), the first of the "Five Good Emperors" of ancient Rome, came to power following the assassination of his predecessor Domitian.

2023

Chinese authorities cancelled a run of performances of The Mongol Khan, the first Mongolian play to be performed…

Chinese authorities cancelled a run of performances of The Mongol Khan, the first Mongolian play to be performed internationally, forty minutes before its planned premiere in Hohhot.

1999

The Japanese manga Naruto published its first chapter, later becoming one of the best-selling manga series.

The Japanese manga Naruto published its first chapter, later becoming one of the best-selling manga series.

1726

Bach led the first performance of his cantata Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17, in Leipzig.

Bach led the first performance of his cantata Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17, in Leipzig.

1726

Bach leads the first performance of his cantata Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17, in Leipzig.

Bach leads the first performance of his cantata Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17, in Leipzig.

1997

Irish rock band U2 performed in Sarajevo (pictured), the first major artist to hold a concert in the city since the…

Irish rock band U2 performed in Sarajevo (pictured), the first major artist to hold a concert in the city since the end of the Bosnian War.

235

Pope Pontian resigned after being exiled to Sardinia, becoming the first pope to relinquish the position.

Pope Pontian resigned after being exiled to Sardinia, becoming the first pope to relinquish the position.

2001

3G wireless technology first becomes available when it is adopted by Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo.

3G wireless technology first becomes available when it is adopted by Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo.

1979

Pope John Paul II begins his first pastoral visit to the United States.

Pope John Paul II begins his first pastoral visit to the United States.

1971

The first practical CT scanner is used to diagnose a patient.

The first practical CT scanner is used to diagnose a patient.

1969

Concorde breaks the sound barrier for the first time.

Concorde breaks the sound barrier for the first time.

1966

West Coast Airlines Flight 956 crashes with no survivors in Oregon. This accident marks the first loss of a DC-9.

West Coast Airlines Flight 956 crashes with no survivors in Oregon. This accident marks the first loss of a DC-9.

1961

The United States Defense Intelligence Agency is formed, becoming the country's first centralized military…

The United States Defense Intelligence Agency is formed, becoming the country's first centralized military intelligence organization.

1961

The CTV Television Network, Canada's first private television network, is launched.

The CTV Television Network, Canada's first private television network, is launched.

1957

The motto In God We Trust first appears on U.S. paper currency.

The motto In God We Trust first appears on U.S. paper currency.

1947

The North American F-86 Sabre flies for the first time.

The North American F-86 Sabre flies for the first time.

1940

The Pennsylvania Turnpike, often considered the first superhighway in the United States, opens to traffic.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike, often considered the first superhighway in the United States, opens to traffic.