Navigator Vasco da Gama of Portugal started his first voyage.
He would become the first explorer to reach India by sea.
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The Wall Street Journal issued its first paper.
The US Federal Trademark Act began, which allowed authorization of Trademarks.
A flying saucer crash at Roswell, New Mexico, was broadcasted to the public.
The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched for its final mission.
The Sega Saturn console was released in Europe following its massive success in Japan & North America.