Today in News History

On July 6, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1779, Battle of Grenada: The French defeat British naval forces in the Caribbean during the American Revolutionary War. In 1835, John Marshall, American captain and politician, 4th United States Secretary of State (born 1755) passed away. In 1884, Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, American businessman and sailor (died 1970) was born. In 1921, Allan MacEachen, Canadian economist and politician, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada (died 2017) was born. In 1936, A major breach of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal in England sends millions of gallons of water cascading 200 feet (61 m) into the River Irwell. In 1964, Claude V. Ricketts, American admiral (born 1906) passed away. In 1988, The Piper Alpha drilling platform in the North Sea is destroyed by explosions and fires. One hundred sixty-seven oil workers are killed, making it the world's worst offshore oil disaster in terms of direct loss of life. In 1990, Justin Schultz, Canadian ice hockey player was born. In 2006, The Nathu La pass between India and China, sealed during the Sino-Indian War, re-opens for trade after 44 years. In 2009, Robert McNamara, American businessman and politician, 8th United States Secretary of Defense (born 1916) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.