Discover · History

On this day — May 6

A hand-curated thread of what happened on this date, across centuries.

2023

Milestone

The coronation of Charles III and Camilla as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms is held in Westminster Abbey, London.

2023

Milestone

Eight people are killed and seven injured in a mass shooting in Allen, Texas

The perpetrator is killed by a police officer.

2013

Milestone

Three women, kidnapped and missing for more than a decade

are found alive in Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States.

2010

Milestone

In just 36 minutes

the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 1,000 points in what is known as the 2010 Flash Crash.

2004

Broadcasting

The final episode of the television sitcom Friends was aired.

2002

Broadcasting

Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn is assassinated following a radio-interview at the Mediapark in Hilversum.

2002

Milestone

Founding of SpaceX.

2001

Milestone

During a trip to Syria

Pope John Paul II becomes the first pope to enter a mosque.

1999

Politics

The first elections to the devolved Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly are held.

1998

Milestone

Kerry Wood strikes out 20 Houston Astros to tie the major league record held by Roger Clemens

He threw a one-hitter and did not walk a batter in his fifth career start.

1998

Milestone

Steve Jobs of Apple Inc

unveils the first iMac.

1997

Politics

The Bank of England is given independence from political control

the most significant change in the bank's 300-year history.

1996

Milestone

The body of former CIA director William Colby is found washed up on a riverbank in southern Maryland

eight days after he disappeared.

1994

Politics

Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and French President François Mitterrand officiate at the opening of the Channel Tunnel.

1988

Milestone

All thirty-six passengers and crew were killed when Widerøe Flight 710 crashed into Mt

Torghatten in Brønnøy.