Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1091, Dirk V, count of Holland (born 1052) passed away. In 1400, Jan of Jenštejn, archbishop of Prague (born 1348) passed away. In 1673, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet reach the Mississippi River and become the first Europeans to make a detailed account of its course. In 1778, Gregory Blaxland, English-Australian explorer (died 1853) was born. In 1877, American Indian Wars: Battle of White Bird Canyon: The Nez Perce defeat the U.S. Cavalry at White Bird Canyon in the Idaho Territory. In 1940, The three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania fall under the occupation of the Soviet Union. In 1944, Iceland declares independence from Denmark and becomes a republic. In 1950, Lee Tamahori, New Zealand film director was born. In 1953, Cold War: East Germany Workers Uprising: In East Germany, the Soviet Union orders a division of troops into East Berlin to quell a rebellion. In 1983, Lee Ryan, English singer/actor was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.