On this day: April 6
Boxer Completes Match Despite Detached Retina
On April 6, 1984, a professional boxer finished his scheduled fight after suffering a detached retina, a severe eye injury that often ends careers; the bout and its aftermath raised safety and medical-protocol questions in the sport.
New York Carries Out First Execution by Electric Chair
On April 6, 1890, New York state conducted the first execution by electric chair, replacing hanging as the state's method of capital punishment amid debates over humanity, science, and legal process.
The First Modern Olympic Games Open in Athens, 1896
On April 6, 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were officially opened in Athens, Greece, launching an international athletic revival inspired by the ancient Olympics and organized largely through the efforts of Pierre de Coubertin and the Greek organizing committee.
When Sound Met Screen: The First Public Screening of a Synchronized-Sound Film
On April 6, 1927, the public premiere of a feature film using synchronized sound tracks marked a turning point in cinema, introducing audiences to coordinated spoken dialogue and music reproduced with projected images and signaling the decline of the silent-film era.
Opening of the First Modern Olympic Games in Athens, 1896
On April 6, 1896, Athens hosted the opening ceremony of the first modern Olympic Games, organized under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee and inspired by Greek classical heritage. The event marked the revival of the Olympic tradition in a modern international sporting format.