Gday...

1772  -     France makes its first formal claim to Australian territory. 

1791  -     Convict James Ruse is given the first land grant in the colony of New South Wales.

1816  -     Convict architect Francis Greenway is appointed Civil Architect and Assistant Engineer to the colonial government.

1853  -     The great artist, Vincent van Gogh, is born. 

1930  -     Musician, painter and entertainer, Rolf Harris, is born. 

1981  -     An attempt is made to assassinate US President Ronald Reagan. 

Cheers - John