TODAY IN history

In 1692, Giles Cory, one of nine witches executed at Salem, Mass., was the last to be “pressed” to death. The others were hanged. During the infamous witch trials, 13 women and seven men were executed, and more than 150 others were put in jail.

In 1851, the capital of Canada was moved from Toronto to Quebec City.

In 1862, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln first issued the “Emancipation Proclamation” freeing the slaves. The final proclamation was issued Jan. 1, 1863. Together they brought freedom to about 200,000 slaves.

In 1866, Prince Edward Island rejected an offer of $800,000 from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to join Confederation. Prince Edward Island finally joined Confederation on July 1, 1873.

In 1877, Chief Crowfoot signed an important treaty with the government of Canada. Crowfoot, feeling threatened by the deluge of unruly American traders in the area, put his mark on “Treaty Number Seven” which gave the Queen “all the rights, titles and privileges whatsoever” to his people’s land in the Prairies. In return, the aboriginals got reserves, payments and annuities.

In 1950, Dr. Ralph Bunche became the first black to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 1967, in Montreal, “Expo 67” broke the attendance record of 42,973,561 set at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels.