Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 911, Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. In 1760, Peggy Shippen, American wife of Benedict Arnold and American Revolutionary War spy (died 1804) was born. In 1796, The United States takes possession of Detroit from Great Britain under terms of the Jay Treaty. In 1864, American Civil War: Battle of Fort Stevens; Confederate forces attempt to invade Washington, D.C. In 1921, Former president of the United States William Howard Taft is sworn in as 10th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the only person ever to hold both offices. In 1922, The Hollywood Bowl opens. In 1937, George Gershwin, American pianist, songwriter, and composer (born 1898) passed away. In 1977, Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated in 1968, is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1998, Panagiotis Kondylis, Greek philosopher and author (born 1943) passed away. In 2006, John Spencer, English snooker player and sportscaster (born 1935) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.