1781

The seventh planet of the solar system, Uranus, was discovered by astronomer William Herschel.

1946

U.S. Army Pfc. Sadao Munemori was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor; he was the only Japanese American service member recognized in the immediate aftermath of World War II.

2013

Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope, choosing the papal name Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas.