20 May

1927 - Lindbergh departs for Paris

On 20 May 1927, Charles Lindbergh left New York for the first solo Atlantic crossing.

1862 - Homestead Act

On 20 May 1862, the Homestead Act opened lands of the American West to settlers.

1506 - Death of Christopher Columbus

On 20 May 1506, the navigator Christopher Columbus died in Valladolid, Spain.