Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1755, The Braddock Expedition is soundly defeated by a smaller French and Native American force in its attempt to capture Fort Duquesne in what is now downtown Pittsburgh. In 1825, A. C. Gibbs, American lawyer and politician, 2nd Governor of Oregon (died 1886) was born. In 1863, American Civil War: The Siege of Port Hudson ends in a Union victory and, along with the fall of Vicksburg five days earlier, gives the Union complete control of the Mississippi River. In 1937, The silent film archives of Fox Film Corporation are destroyed by the 1937 Fox vault fire. In 1940, David B. Frohnmayer, American lawyer and politician, 12th Oregon Attorney General (died 2015) was born. In 1944, World War II: American forces take Saipan, bringing the Japanese archipelago within range of B-29 raids, and causing the downfall of the Tojo government. In 1957, Tim Kring, American screenwriter and producer was born. In 1962, Starfish Prime tests the effects of a nuclear test at orbital altitudes. In 1965, Thomas Jahn, German director and screenwriter was born. In 1982, Pan Am Flight 759 crashes in Kenner, Louisiana, killing all 145 people on board and eight others on the ground. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.