19 November in history
5 events that happened on 19 November, from 1493 to 1977.
✦ Anniversary of the day
1493 CE 533 years ago
Columbus lands on Puerto Rico
On his second voyage, Christopher Columbus landed on the island the Taíno called Borikén and named it San Juan Bautista. The name of its port, Puerto Rico, later passed to the whole island.
1863 CE 163 years ago
Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address
At the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, Abraham Lincoln spoke for about two minutes. His short address recast the Civil War as a struggle for 'a new birth of freedom' and government 'of the people'.
1942 CE 84 years ago
The Red Army launches Operation Uranus at Stalingrad
Soviet forces attacked the weak Romanian-held flanks north and south of Stalingrad. Within four days they encircled the German Sixth Army, which surrendered in February 1943.
1977 CE 49 years ago
Anwar Sadat becomes the first Arab leader to visit Israel
Egypt's president Anwar Sadat flew to Israel and the next day addressed the Knesset in Jerusalem. His visit led to the Camp David Accords and the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty.
