- 1953
The double helix
James Watson and Francis Crick described their theory that two DNA strands were coiled in a double helix.
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1784
John Wesley issues “Deed of Declaration” formally establishing the Methodist Church.
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1849
The steamship California landed in San Francisco, bringing the first East Coasters to the Gold Rush.
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1916
Henry James, American novelist and critic, died.
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1948
The last British troops left India.
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1983
The final episode of M*A*S*H aired. It was the most watched television program in history.
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1986
Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was shot to death in central Stockholm.
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1993
Four federal agents were killed in Waco, Texas, after they tried to serve an arrest warrant for weapons charges on Branch Davidian sect leader David Koresh, starting a 51-day standoff.