This Day in History: June 24

1717 - The world's first Masonic Grand Lodge is established

Freemasonry, a fraternal organization, established its first governing body for a certain geographic area. Over time, Freemasonry has attracted many famous members and has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories.

1793 - 1st republican constitution in France adopted

France adopted its first republican constitution during the French Revolution, which abolished the monarchy and established a democratic government.

1812 - Napoleon Bonaparte's Grand Armée invades Russia

Napoleon Bonaparte's Grand Armée, consisting of 500,000 soldiers, crossed the Nieman River and began its invasion of Russia. This invasion proved to be a major military disaster for France.

1853 - Gadsden Purchase

US President Franklin Pierce signed the Gadsden Purchase, buying 29,670 square-miles of land from Mexico for $10 million. This territory included what is now southern Arizona and New Mexico.

1901 - Picasso's first exhibition in Paris

Pablo Picasso, a 19-year-old Spanish artist, held his first exhibition in Ambroise Vollard's gallery in Paris. Although the show received negative reviews, Picasso went on to become one of the most influential artists of all time.

1930 - Radar precursor detected airplane using reflected radio waves

US Naval Research Laboratory engineers in Washington, D.C. detected an airplane using reflected radio waves, a precursor to radar.

1948 - Berlin Blockade begins

The Soviet Union blockaded all access to West Berlin in reaction to the currency reform in West Germany. This led to the Berlin Airlift, in which the Western Allies transported supplies to the blocked area using planes that became known as "raisin bombers" or "candy bombers."

1982 - British Airways jumbo jet experiences total engine failure

A British Airways Boeing 747 suffered total engine failure after flying into a cloud of volcanic ash caused by the eruption of Mount Galunggung. The crew managed to restart the engines and safely land in Jakarta.

2002 - Africa's worst train disaster

A passenger train with 1,200 passengers experienced brake failure and rolled back down Igandu hill in Tanzania, resulting in the death of 281 people.

2022 - Roe v. Wade overturned by US Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court overturned the landmark case Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 vote, eliminating the constitutional right to choose abortion.

1497 - John Cabot claims parts of North America for England

John Cabot claimed parts of North America (now Eastern Canada) for England, believing he had found a route to Asia in Newfoundland.

1509 - Henry VIII crowned King of England

Henry VIII was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey, London.