Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1584, Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe arrive at Roanoke Island. In 1804, Nathaniel Hawthorne, American novelist and short story writer (died 1864) was born. In 1821, Richard Cosway, English painter and academic (born 1742) passed away. In 1837, Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway, opens between Birmingham and Liverpool. In 1862, Lewis Carroll tells Alice Liddell a story that would grow into Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequels. In 1863, American Civil War: Retreat from Gettysburg: The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under Robert E. Lee withdraws from the battlefield after losing the Battle of Gettysburg, signaling an end to his last invasion of the North. In 1905, Lionel Trilling, American critic, essayist, short story writer, and educator (died 1975) was born. In 1905, Élisée Reclus, French geographer and author (born 1830) passed away. In 1918, Eppie Lederer, American journalist and radio host (died 2002) was born. In 2006, Space Shuttle program: Discovery launches STS-121 to the International Space Station. The event gained wide media attention as it was the only shuttle launch in the program's history to occur on the United States' Independence Day. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.