December 20

    What happened on December 20 in history

    6 events fall on December 20, from 1803 to 1999. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

    Events on December 20

    1. 1803

      The Louisiana Purchase is completed

      The formal transfer takes place in New Orleans.

      Play the 19th century round

    2. 1803

      The Louisiana Purchase is transferred

      France hands New Orleans to the United States.

      Play the 19th century round

    3. 1860

      South Carolina secedes

      The first state leaves the union weeks after Lincoln's election.

      Read about Opening of the Metropolitan Railway, World's First UndergroundPlay the 19th century round

    4. 1951

      Electricity from nuclear fission

      An experimental reactor in Idaho lights four bulbs.

      Play the 20th century round

    5. 1968

      John Steinbeck dies

      The novelist dies in New York.

      Read about Woodstock Music FestivalPlay the 20th century round

    6. 1999

      Macau returns to China

      Portugal hands over its last Asian territory.

      Play the 20th century round

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

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