On July 29, 1856, German composer Robert Schumann died in Endenich at age 46.
In 1890, artist Vincent van Gogh, 37, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.
In 1914, transcontinental telephone service in the U.S. became operational with the first test conversation between New York and San Francisco. Also: Massachusetts’ Cape Cod Canal, offering a shortcut across the base of the peninsula, was officially opened to shipping traffic.
In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, creating NASA.
In 1965, the Beatles’ second film, “Help!,” had its world premiere in London.
In 1978, the Grease soundtrack hits #1 in the US, thanks to the hits “You’re the One That I Want” and “Summer Nights.”
In 1981, Britain’s Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in a glittering ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.