Henry Hudson began a journey up the river that would later be named after him – the Hudson River.
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A new federal constitution was created, which marked Switzerland as a federal state.
American actress Katherine Hepburn had her first stage performance in New York City, where she played in 'Night Hostess.'
An extreme category 5 hurricane called Gilbert hit Jamaica, with the eye of the storm being 15 miles wide.
French astronomer Charles Messier accidentally discovered the Crab Nebula while looking for the Halley comet.
The animated fantasy TV show 'The Smurfs' premiered on NBC.
