December 26

    What happened on December 26 in history

    6 events fall on December 26, from 1776 to 2004. 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 26

    1. 1776

      The Battle of Trenton

      Washington crosses the Delaware and surprises the Hessian garrison.

      Read about Washington Crossing the DelawarePlay the Exploration & revolution round

    2. 1898

      The Curies announce radium

      A paper reports a second new radioactive element in pitchblende.

      Read about First Modern Olympic Games, AthensPlay the 19th century round

    3. 1898

      The Curies name polonium and radium

      Their paper announces the second new element.

      Read about First Modern Olympic Games, AthensPlay the 19th century round

    4. 1919

      Babe Ruth is sold to the Yankees

      Boston agrees the deal that will haunt it.

      Read about Ford Model T Assembly Line, DearbornPlay the 20th century round

    5. 1991

      The Soviet Union formally ends

      The Supreme Soviet votes itself and the union out of existence.

      Play the 20th century round

    6. 2004

      The Indian Ocean tsunami

      A magnitude 9.1 quake off Sumatra kills around 230,000 people.

    Guess where and when

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

    Play today's challenge