Today in News History

On June 16, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1745, War of the Austrian Succession: New England colonial troops under the command of William Pepperrell capture the Fortress of Louisbourg in Louisbourg, New France (Old Style date). In 1755, French and Indian War: The French surrender Fort Beauséjour to the British, leading to the expulsion of the Acadians. In 1779, American Revolutionary War: Spain declares war on the Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Great Siege of Gibraltar begins. In 1795, French Revolutionary Wars: In what became known as Cornwallis's Retreat, a British Royal Navy squadron led by Vice Admiral William Cornwallis strongly resists a much larger French Navy force and withdraws largely intact, setting up the French Navy defeat at the Battle of Groix six days later. In 1850, Max Delbrück, German chemist and academic (died 1919) was born. In 1897, Georg Wittig, German chemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 1987) was born. In 1902, Barbara McClintock, American geneticist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 1992) was born. In 1981, Benjamin Becker, German tennis player was born. In 1987, Diana DeGarmo, American singer-songwriter and actress was born. In 2000, Bianca Andreescu, Canadian tennis player was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.