On This Day in History
Discover key historical events within the Genesis range (1950–2049) that occurred on this calendar day, and claim their commemorative registry plaques.
December 24
9 historical milestones registered between 1950 and 2049
A railway bridge at Tangiwai on New Zealand's North Island was damaged by a lahar and collapsed beneath a passenger train (wreckage pictured), killing 151 people.
Wikipedia: North Island
According to legend, the NORAD Tracks Santa program began after children began calling the Continental Air Defense Command Center to inquire about Santa Claus's whereabouts due to a misprinted phone number in an advertisement.
Wikipedia: NORAD Tracks Santa
The Viet Cong bombed the Brinks Hotel in Saigon, killing two U.S. Army officers and raising fears of an escalation of the Vietnam War.
Wikipedia: Viet Cong
Piloted by Jim Lovell, Apollo 8 became the first human spaceflight to reach and orbit the Moon (Earthrise pictured).
Wikipedia: Jim Lovell
The U.S. Congress granted home rule to Washington, D.C., allowing the residents to elect their own mayor and a city council.
Wikipedia: United States Congress
The Soviet government deployed troops in Afghanistan, starting the Soviet–Afghan War.
Wikipedia: Soviet–Afghan War
Jihadists linked to al-Qaeda hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 to force the release of Islamist figures held in prison in India.
Wikipedia: Jihadism
The Lord's Resistance Army, a Ugandan rebel group, began attacks on several villages in the north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing hundreds and committing numerous atrocities.
Wikipedia: Lord's Resistance Army
Burmese military forces killed at least 40 civilians during the Mo So massacre in Kayah State, Myanmar.
Wikipedia: Tatmadaw