On this day in 1900, the 169 islands collectively known as the Kingdom of Tonga, or the Friendly Islands, in the South Pacific, were annexed by Britain.
On this day in 1906, the 19-kilometer Simplon Tunnel linking Italy and Switzerland through the Alps was officially opened.
On this day in 1980, the long-dormant Mt. St. Helens in southwestern Washington State exploded, killing 22 people.