December 20

What happened on December 20 in history

5 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.

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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. 1860

    South Carolina secedes

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

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1951

    Electricity from nuclear fission

    An experimental reactor in Idaho lights four bulbs.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1968

    John Steinbeck dies

    The novelist dies in New York.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 1999

    Macau returns to China

    Portugal hands over its last Asian territory.

    Play the 20th century round