December 31: Saint Sylvester's Day (Western Christianity)Taipei 1011909 The Manhattan Bridge, connecting Lower Manhattan to Downtown Brooklyn and considered to be the forerunner of modern suspension bridges, opened to traffic.1983 Two Australian biologists published an article titled "A Synopsis of the Class Reptilia in Australia", initiating the Wells and Wellington affair.1986 Three disgruntled employees set fire to the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, killing more than 90 people and injuring 140 others, making it the second-deadliest hotel fire in American history.1999 In accordance with the TorrijosCarter Treaties, Panama assumed full control of the Panama Canal Zone from the United States.2004 Taipei101 (pictured) in Taipei, Taiwan, opened to the public as the world's tallest building.Ibn Hawshab (d.914)Richard Montgomery (d.1775)Cornelius Gallagher (b.1854)Mary Logan Reddick (b.1914)More anniversaries: December 30December 31January 1ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout