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Today in history for June 27. The date has left its mark on history in some remarkable ways, from declarations of independence to milestones in science, sports, and the arts.
ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY
In 1743, King George II of Britain led troops at the Battle of Dettingen — the last time a reigning British monarch personally participated in battle.
In 1844, Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob at the Carthage, Illinois jail.
In 1847, the New York and Boston Magnetic Telegraph Company completed a direct telegraph line between the two cities, enabling messages to travel in minutes and dramatically improving the speed of commerce and journalism.
In 1922, the American Library Association awarded the first-ever Newbery Medal — honoring the year’s best children’s book — to The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon.
In 1950, the United States made the decision to send troops to fight in the Korean War.
In 1954, the world’s first nuclear power plant was activated at Obninsk in present-day Russia, where it remained in operation for 48 years.
In 1972, Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney founded Atari, Inc., the pioneering video game company that would go on to produce arcade classics like Pong.
In 1986, the International Court of Justice condemned the U.S. paramilitary campaign to overthrow Nicaragua’s left-wing Sandinista government, declaring the intervention illegal.
In 1985, the iconic Route 66 was officially decertified when the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials voted to remove all its highway signs, closing the book on a road that had stretched some 2,200 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.
In 1991, Yugoslav troops, tanks, and aircraft invaded Slovenia just two days after the country declared independence, starting what became known as the Ten-Day War — the first conflict in the breakup of Yugoslavia.
In 1995, Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on a historic mission that became the first space shuttle to dock with Russia’s Mir space station.
NOTABLE BIRTHDAYS
Helen Keller (1880) — The American author, political activist, and lecturer became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her story, told through her autobiography The Story of My Life and the stage and film adaptations of The Miracle Worker, inspired generations worldwide.
Antoinette Perry (1888) — The Broadway actress, director, and producer whose legacy lives on in the Tony Awards, named in her honor.
Bob Keeshan (1927) — Best known as Captain Kangaroo, Keeshan won several Emmy Awards during his 29 years on the beloved children’s television program.
Tobey Maguire (1975) — The actor rose to international stardom through his portrayal of Spider-Man beginning in 2002.
Vera Wang (1949) — The iconic fashion designer, now 76, built one of the most recognized names in bridal and couture fashion.
NOTABLE DEATHS
Jack Lemmon (2001) — The beloved Hollywood actor died of bladder cancer at age 76 at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Considered one of the great tragi-comedians of his era, Lemmon won two Academy Awards — Best Supporting Actor for Mister Roberts (1955) and Best Actor for Save the Tiger (1973) — and received eight Oscar nominations over his storied career. He is perhaps best remembered for his role as Felix Unger opposite Walter Matthau in The Odd Couple.
Shelby Foote (2005) — The celebrated Civil War historian and novelist, born Nov. 17, 1916, whose three-volume narrative history of the Civil War made him one of the most respected voices on the subject in American letters.
What events from June 27 stand out to you? Share your memories with us at news@heavener.news.
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