May 1902

Thursday 08:

In Martinique, Mount Pelée erupts, destroying the town of St. Pierre and killing over 30,000 people. Only a handful of residents survive the blast.

Thursday 15:

In a field outside Grass Valley, California, Lyman Gilmore reportedly becomes the first person to fly a powered airplane (a steam-powered glider).

Saturday 17:

Archaeologist Spyridon Stais finds the Antikythera mechanism.

Tuesday 20:

Cuba gains independence from the United States.

Saturday 31:

Second Boer War: The last Afrikaner resistance forces sign a peace treaty with the British at Pretoria, ending the war, and ensuring British control of South Africa.