This Day In History : May 29

1919 Brazil

Eddington Confirms Theory of Relativity

Sir Arthur Eddington confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity during a solar eclipse expedition to Principe Island and Sobral, Brazil, on May 29, 1919. This confirmation was a pivotal moment in the history of science, as it provided empirical evidence supporting Einstein's revolutionary theory.

Also on This Day in History May 29

Discover what happened on May 29 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, May 29
  • 1736 Patrick Henry

    American lawyer and politician who was the 1st Governor of Virginia

  • 1917 John F. Kennedy

    American Navy lieutenant and politician who became the 35th President of the United States

  • 1826 Ebenezer Butterick

    American inventor (tissue paper dress pattern)

  • 1941 Doug Scott

    English mountaineer (first ascent of south-west face of Mount Everest)

  • 1959 Rupert Everett

    English actor and novelist (My Best Friends Wedding)

Deaths on This Day, May 29
  • 2024 Winfield Scott

    American General, lawyer, and politician

  • 2005 Frederick Page

    English aircraft designer and executive (CEO British Aerospace Aircraft Group)

  • 2017 Manuel Noriega

    Panamanian general and dictator

  • 2013 Henekh "Henry" Morgentaler

    Polish-Canadian gynecologist, abortion rights advocate, and Holocaust survivor

  • 2011 Ferenc Mádl

    Hungarian politician, President of Hungary

1790

Rhode Island is admitted as the 13th U.S. State

Rhode Island became the 13th state to join the Union in the United States. It ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790.
1848

Wisconsin becomes 30th US state

On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as the 30th state in the United States. After the constitutional convention, Congress passed the Enabling Act, granting Wisconsin the authority to draft a state constitution and join the Union.
1968

US Truth in Lending Act signed into law

The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on May 29, 1968.
2004

The World War II Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C

The National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was indeed dedicated on Saturday, May 29, 2004. This memorial honors the 16 million people who served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions of civilians who supported the war effort from home.
Holiday
Special day
Discover invention