The 'New York Sun' begins publishing a series of articles claiming astronomer John Herschel had discovered life on the moon. Known as the Great Moon Hoax, the stories falsely described lunar creatures and plants.
British swimmer Captain Matthew Webb becomes the first person to swim the English Channel without artificial aids. He completed the 21-mile journey from Dover to Calais in 21 hours and 45 minutes.
A Scottish actor best known for being the first to portray the character James Bond in film. He starred in seven Bond films and won an Academy Award for his role in 'The Untouchables.'
Allied forces liberate Paris from four years of Nazi occupation. French and American troops entered the city, and German General Dietrich von Choltitz surrendered against Hitler's orders to destroy the city.