Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. 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 1863, American Civil War: Union forces repulse a Confederate army at the Battle of Helena in Arkansas. The battle thwarts a Rebel attempt to relieve pressure on the besieged city of Vicksburg, and paves the way for the Union capture of Little Rock. In 1863, American Civil War: Siege of Vicksburg: The Confederate army in Vicksburg, Mississippi surrenders to Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant after 47 days of siege, contributing to the Union capture of the Mississippi River. In 1879, Anglo-Zulu War: The Zululand capital of Ulundi is captured by British troops and burned to the ground, ending the war and forcing King Cetshwayo to flee. In 1941, Brian Willson, American soldier, lawyer, and activist was born. In 1943, Geraldo Rivera, American lawyer, journalist, and author was born. In 1943, Adam Hart-Davis, English historian, author, and photographer was born. In 1966, Lee Reherman, American actor (died 2016) was born. In 1971, Thomas C. Hart, American admiral and politician (born 1877) passed away. In 1979, Lee Wai Tong, Chinese footballer and manager (born 1905) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.