December 31

Friday 31, 1999:

The Panama Canal comes completely under Panama's jurisdiction.

Sunday 31, 1995:

The publication of the last new Calvin and Hobbes cartoon strip.

Thursday 31, 1992:

In the last of the great ITV franchise renewals, Thames Television, Television South West and Television South cease broadcasting, replaced by Carlton Television, Westcountry Television and Meridian Television respectively.

Wednesday 31, 1879:

Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time (Menlo Park, New Jersey).

Wednesday 31, 1862:

American Civil War: Abraham Lincoln signs an act that admits West Virginia to the Union (thus dividing Virginia in two); meanwhile, the Battle of Stones River is fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.