1846

The United States Congress formally declared war against Mexico, following battles along the disputed U.S.-Mexico border in the preceding weeks.

1973

In tennis’ first so-called “Battle of the Sexes,” Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Court 6-2, 6-1 in Ramona, California. (Billie Jean King soundly defeated Riggs in Houston later that year.)

1981

Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded in St. Peter’s Square by Turkish assailant Mehmet Ali Agca.