TODAY IN history

In 1529, eight years after the Diet of Worms was convened by the Holy Roman Emperor, a protestation was published against it by several cities including Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Ulm, and from that evolved the term Protestant.

In 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with the battles of Lexington and Concord.

In 1839, the Treaty of London made Belgium and Holland separate countries.

In 1850, Britain and the United States signed a treaty to build the Panama Canal. Washington later built the canal on its own.

In 1882, Charles Darwin, originator of the theory of organic evolution through natural selection, died at age 73.

In 1883, Quebec’s Parliament buildings burned down.

In 1897, the first Boston Marathon was held. Winner John J. Mcdermott ran the course in two hours, 55 minutes and 10 seconds.

In 1904, fire raged through downtown Toronto, causing an estimated $12 million in damage and destroying 104 buildings. Amazingly, there were no deaths.

In 1910, after weeks of being viewed through telescopes, ``Halley’s Comet’’ was reported visible to the naked eye on the Caribbean island of Curacao.

In 1912, Nova Scotia’s mystery man, ``Jerome,’’ died at age 58. He was found on a beach with both legs amputated. He refused to talk or write, and died unidentified.