June 30 in History

• 1859

  June 30, 1859:

  Tightrope walker and acrobat, Blondin makes his way across the Niagara Falls on a 49-metre high and 335-metre long tightrope.

• 1893

  June 30, 1893:

  The largest uncut diamond to be found as of this year, the Excelsior diamond, is discovered at the Jagersfontein, Orange Free State mine called De Beer.

• 1934

  June 30, 1934:

  Adolf Hitler orders the killing of various leaders of his party. The day of the killing later becomes known as Night of the Long Knives.

• 1936

  June 30, 1936:

  The popular novel, “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell is published.

• 1938

  June 30, 1938:

  Superman is first seen in Action Comic issue #1 by DC Comics.

• 1955

  June 30, 1955:

  “The Johnny Carson Show” makes its debut on CBS.

• 1960

  June 30, 1960:

  Zaire (later to be known as the Democratic Republic of Congo) is declared independent of Belgian colonial rule.

• 1989

  June 30, 1989:

  “Do the Right Thing”, a film written and directed by Spike Lee is released in theatres.

• 1992

  June 30, 1992:

  The Boyz II Men single, “End of the Road” is released.

• 2002

  June 30, 2002:

  Ronaldo leads Brazil to win its 5th FIFA World Cup tournament by scoring 2 goals against Germany.