On This Day, July 20: Viking 1 is first spacecraft to land on Mars
This article provides a chronological list of historical events that occurred on July 20, ranging from the 19th century to the early 2000s. Notable entries include the first moon landing, the Viking 1 Mars landing, and various political and cultural milestones.
Why it matters
It serves as a historical reference point for significant scientific and political achievements that shaped modern society.
July 20 (UPI) -- On this date in history:
In 1859, American baseball fans were charged an admission fee for the first time. About 1,500 spectators each paid 50 cents to see the Brooklyn All-Stars play the New York All-Stars.
In 1881, five years after U.S. Army Lt. Col. George A. Custer's defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn, Sioux leader Sitting Bull surrendered to the Army, which promised amnesty for him and his followers.
In 1940, Billboard magazine published its first "Music Popularity Chart," topped by "I'll Never Smile Again" by the Tommy Dorsey orchestra with Frank Sinatra.
In 1945, the U.S. flag was raised over Berlin as the first U.S. troops moved in to take part in the post-World War II occupation.
In 1951, while entering a mosque in the Jordanian sector of east Jerusalem, King Abdullah of Jordan was assassinated by a Palestinian nationalist.
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