- 1783 – George Washington delivered his Farewell Address to the Continental Army.
- 1845 – U.S. President James K. Polk announced to Congress that the United States should aggressively seek the annexation of Texas.
- 1908 – The first U.S. prison was opened at McNeil Island, Washington.
- 1945 – The United States Senate voted to reject membership in the United Nations.
- 1991 – U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev announced to the world efforts that would lead to the START treaty to reduce nuclear weapons.
- 2013 – Nelson Mandela passed away; President Obama delivered a eulogy honoring the late South African leader in accordance with U.S.-South African relations.
