8 May in history.

1980

Smallpox is gone. The World Health Organization confirmed that smallpox, a disease that had killed hundreds of millions, had been wiped out worldwide.

Wikipedia: Smallpox

Photo: Photo Credit: Content Providers(s): CDC/James Hicks / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 8 May

1. 

   1877

   The first Westminster Dog Show

   The Westminster Kennel Club held its first dog show in New York. It is one of the oldest sporting events in the United States.

   Wikipedia: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

   Photo: M. Rehemtulla / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

2. 

   1886

   Coca-Cola is first sold

   Pharmacist John Pemberton sold the first glasses of Coca-Cola at a drugstore in Atlanta, as a tonic.

   Wikipedia: Coca-ColaWikipedia: John Pemberton

   Photo: DYVER / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

3. 

   1978

   Everest without bottled oxygen

   Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler reached the top of Everest without extra oxygen, which many experts had said could not be done.

   Wikipedia: Reinhold MessnerWikipedia: Peter Habeler

   Photo: Superbass / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

4. 

   1984

   The Thames Barrier opens

   Queen Elizabeth II opened the Thames Barrier, giant gates that protect London from floods.

   Wikipedia: Thames Barrier

   Photo: Andy Roberts from East London, England / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.