On this day in 1914, the Panama Canal opened to traffic with the transit of the cargo ship SS Ancon.
On this day in 1939, the Wizard of Oz premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California.
On this day in 1947, India gained Independence from British rule.
On this day in 1948, the Republic of Korea was established south of the 38th parallel north.
On this day in 2013, the Smithsonian announced the discovery of the olinguito, the first new carnivoran species found in the Americas in 35 years.