Today in News History

On June 16, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1632, The Plymouth Company granted a land patent to Thomas Purchase, the first settler of Pejepscot, Maine, settling at the site of Fort Andross. In 1755, French and Indian War: The French surrender Fort Beauséjour to the British, leading to the expulsion of the Acadians. In 1777, Jean-Baptiste-Louis Gresset, French poet and playwright (born 1709) passed away. In 1779, American Revolutionary War: Spain declares war on the Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Great Siege of Gibraltar begins. In 1795, French Revolutionary Wars: In what became known as Cornwallis's Retreat, a British Royal Navy squadron led by Vice Admiral William Cornwallis strongly resists a much larger French Navy force and withdraws largely intact, setting up the French Navy defeat at the Battle of Groix six days later. In 1850, William Lawson, English-Australian explorer and politician (born 1774) passed away. In 1946, Jodi Rell, American politician, 87th Governor of Connecticut (died 2024) was born. In 1974, Joseph May, British-born Canadian-American actor was born. In 1981, Benjamin Becker, German tennis player was born. In 2020, Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., Filipino businessman and politician (born 1935) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.