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On this day in history - December 3

What Happened On This Day – December 3

  • 1984 Bhopal Gas Disaster

    A gas leak from a Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in the city of Bhopal, India killed over 2000 people and affected thousands of others. It is said to be the world's worst industrial disaster.

  • 1970 Ayatollah Khomeini takes office

    The Iranian religious leader was a leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

  • 1927 First Laurel & Hardy movie released

    Putting Pants on Philip, a short silent film starring the comedy duo marked the beginning of a long partnership.

  • 1910 First public demonstration of neon lights

    Seen in most urban settings and cities today, the neon light was invented by French inventor and engineer, Georges Claude. They were first displayed at the Paris Motor Show.

  • 1818 Illinois joins the Union

    The midwestern state became the 21st state to be part of the United State. 3 U.S. presidents call it their home state.

Illustration of stork, signifying birth

Births On This Day,
December 3

  • 1985 Amanda Seyfried

    American actress, singer

  • 1981 David Villa

    Spanish footballer

  • 1895 Anna Freud

    Austrian/English psychoanalyst

  • 1857 Joseph Conrad

    Polish/English author

  • 1826 George B. McClellan

    American general, politician, 24th Governor of New Jersey

Illustration of tombstone, signifying death

Deaths On This Day,
December 3

  • 1939 Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll

  • 1928 Ezra Meeker

    American businessman

  • 1910 Mary Baker Eddy

    American writer, founder of Christian Science

  • 1894 Robert Louis Stevenson

    Scottish author, poet

  • 311 Diocletian

    Roman Emperor