Today in History

1296: The Scots are defeated by Edward I at the Battle of Dunbar, leading to English domination over Scotland.

1521: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan is killed by natives in the Philippines during his circumnavigation of the globe.

1749: First performance of Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks” in London’s Green Park, composed to celebrate the end of the War of the Austrian Succession.

1777: American Revolution: The Battle of Ridgefield takes place in Connecticut, with American forces led by General Benedict Arnold and Colonel Samuel Selden repulsing a British attack.

1803: The United States purchases the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, doubling the size of the country.

1805: The United States Marines captured Derne, Tripoli.

1904: The Australian Labor Party becomes the first political party in the world to win government with a policy of full adult suffrage.

1941: World War II: German troops enter Athens, Greece.

1945: World War II: The German army in Italy surrenders unconditionally to the Allies.

1961: Sierra Leone becomes an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations.

1986: The 100th episode of the long-running sitcom “Cheers” airs on NBC.

1992: Betty Boothroyd becomes the first woman to be elected Speaker of the British House of Commons.

2005: The Superjumbo jet aircraft Airbus A380 makes its first flight from Toulouse, France.

2006: Construction begins on the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center) in New York City, to replace the destroyed World Trade Center towers.

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