The pioneers of the Donner Party left Independence, Missouri, on the Oregon Trail, beginning their ill-fated journey to California.

1932

The body of Charles Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old kidnapped son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh, was found in New Jersey.

1949

The Soviet Union lifted the Berlin Blockade.

2008

A 7.9 magnitude quake in China left more than 87,000 people dead or missing.