1492 - The leader of the last Arab stronghold in Spain surrendered to Spanish forces loyal to King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I.
1859 - Erastus Beadle published "The Dime Book of Practical Etiquette."
1879 - Thomas Edison began construction on his first generator.
1893 - The first commemorative postage stamps were issued.
1929 - The United States and Canada reached an agreement on joint action to preserve Niagara Falls.
1942 - The Philippine capital of Manila was captured by Japanese forces during World War II.
1968 - Dr. Christian Barnard performed the first successful heart transplant.
1968 - Fidel Castro announced petroleum and sugar rationing in Cuba.
1971 - In the U.S., a federally imposed ban on television cigarette advertisements went into effect.