America built the first rocket to reach an altitude of 50 miles (80 km).
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The super-bright comet 'Hale-Bopp' reached its closest point to Earth at a distance of 1.215 AU, making it visible to the naked eye.
Karl Wallenda of The Flying Wallendas died after falling off a tightrope between two hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
New York became the first US court to allow blood test results to be used as evidence.
The Spanish National Assembly officially abolished slavery in Puerto Rico.
The New York Horticultural Society was founded.
