What Happened on December 6?
December 6 is St. Nicholas Day — a gift-giving feast that inspired Santa traditions — on the same date the 13th Amendment abolished slavery in 1865, the Washington Monument was completed in 1884, and Finland declared independence in 1917.
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1492 — Columbus lands on the island of Hispaniola
On December 6, 1492, Christopher Columbus’s expedition reached Hispaniola — today’s Haiti and Dominican Republic. Read the full story →
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1865 — The 13th Amendment is ratified, abolishing slavery
On December 6, 1865, Georgia’s ratification gave the 13th Amendment the votes needed to abolish slavery throughout the United States. Read the full story →
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1884 — The Washington Monument’s aluminum tip is set
On December 6, 1884, workers placed the aluminum capstone atop the Washington Monument — finishing the world’s tallest structure at the time. Read the full story →
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1917 — Finland declares independence from Russia
On December 6, 1917, Finland’s parliament declared independence as the Russian Empire collapsed into revolution. Read the full story →
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1921 — The Anglo-Irish Treaty is signed in London
On December 6, 1921, British and Irish negotiators signed a treaty creating the Irish Free State — ending the Irish War of Independence. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) · Dave Brubeck (1920–2012) · Judd Apatow (1967) · Nick Park (1958)
Days & observances
St. Nicholas Day · National Gazpacho Day · Finland Independence Day · National Microwave Oven Day