Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1631, Gauharara Begum, Mughal princess (died 1706) was born. In 1795, The burghers of Swellendam expel the Dutch East India Company magistrate and declare a republic. In 1839, Lord William Bentinck, English general and politician, 14th Governor-General of India (born 1774) passed away. In 1843, The Wairau Affray, the first serious clash of arms between Māori and British settlers in the New Zealand Wars, takes place. In 1861, American Civil War: Battle of Vienna, Virginia. In 1863, American Civil War: Battle of Aldie in the Gettysburg Campaign. In 1876, American Indian Wars: Battle of the Rosebud: One thousand five hundred Sioux and Cheyenne led by Crazy Horse beat back General George Crook's forces at Rosebud Creek in Montana Territory. In 1898, Harry Patch, English soldier and firefighter (died 2009) was born. In 1900, Boxer Rebellion: Western Allied and Japanese forces capture the Taku Forts in Tianjin, China. In 1940, The three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania fall under the occupation of the Soviet Union. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.