South Ossetia declared its independence from Georgia.
Source
NASA's 50th space shuttle mission, STS-47, landed safely at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Maryland passed its first anti-amalgamation law.
Spanish navigator Ferdinand Magellan and crew set off aboard the Victoria on their adventure around the globe.
Heavy metal artist Ozzy Osbourne released his first solo album, 'Blizzard of Ozz.'
Britain and France defeated Russia during the Battle of Alma, which was the first battle of the Crimean War.