Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1541, Pedro de Alvarado, Spanish general and explorer (born 1495) passed away. In 1774, Orangetown Resolutions are adopted in the Province of New York, one of many protests against the British Parliament's Coercive Acts. In 1776, American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. In 1803, The Louisiana Purchase is announced to the American people. In 1831, Samuel Francis Smith writes "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" for the Boston, Massachusetts July 4 festivities. In 1862, Lewis Carroll tells Alice Liddell a story that would grow into Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequels. In 1894, The short-lived Republic of Hawaii is proclaimed by Sanford B. Dole. In 1903, The Philippine-American War is officially concluded. In 1947, The "Indian Independence Bill" is presented before the British House of Commons, proposing the independence of the Provinces of British India into two sovereign countries: India and Pakistan. In 1960, Due to the post-Independence Day admission of Hawaii as the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959, the 50-star flag of the United States debuts in Philadelphia, almost ten and a half months later (see Flag Acts (United States)). Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.