1941 – The Erie Canal opens, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. Gov. Dewitt Clinton of New York was the driving force behind the project.
1881 – The Earp brothers face off against the Clanton-McLaury gang in a legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Around 30 shots were fired, three people were killed, and Virgil and Morgan Earp and Doc Holliday were wounded.
1951 – In the UK, Winston Churchill become prime minister for the second time, defeating Clement Atlee, who leads the Labour Party.
1965 – The Beatles were made members of the Order of the British Empire by the queen in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
