December 5

    What happened on December 5 in history

    5 events fall on December 5, from 1492 to 1955. 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 5

    1. 1492

      Columbus reaches Hispaniola

      The first voyage sights the island that will hold the first Spanish colony.

      Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

    2. 1791

      Mozart dies

      He dies in Vienna at thirty-five with the Requiem unfinished.

      Play the Exploration & revolution round

    3. 1848

      Gold in California is confirmed

      Polk tells Congress the reports are true and the rush begins.

      Read about The Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace, LondonPlay the 19th century round

    4. 1933

      Prohibition ends

      The Twenty-first Amendment repeals the ban on alcohol.

      Read about Christ the Redeemer Under Construction, Rio de JaneiroPlay the 20th century round

    5. 1955

      The Montgomery bus boycott begins

      Black riders stay off the buses for 381 days.

      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.

    Play today's challenge