The Spanish National Assembly officially abolished slavery in Puerto Rico.
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The New York Horticultural Society was founded.
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.
Aston Villa's director, William McGregor, formed the English Football League.
America built the first rocket to reach an altitude of 50 miles (80 km).
The first God of War game was released for the PlayStation 2 to the North American market.
