TODAY IN HISTORY

SUNDAY SEP 19, 2021 1796

President George Washington’s farewell address was published. In it, America’s first chief executive advised, “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.”

1777

The first Battle of Saratoga was fought during the Revolutionary War; although British forces succeeded in driving out the American troops, the Americans prevailed in a second battle the following month.

1881

The 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield, died 21⁄2 months after being shot by Charles Guiteau; Chester Alan Arthur became president.

1945

Nazi radio propagandist William Joyce, known as “Lord Haw-haw,” was convicted of treason and sentenced to death by a British court.

1957

The United States conducted its first contained underground nuclear test, code-named “Rainier,” in the Nevada desert.

1984

Britain and China completed a draft agreement on transferring Hong Kong from British to Chinese rule by 1997.

1985

The Mexico City area was struck by a devastating earthquake that killed at least 9,500 people.

1986

Federal health officials announced that the experimental drug AZT would be made available to thousands of AIDS patients.

1995

The New York Times and The Washington Post published the manifesto of Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, which proved instrumental in identifying and capturing him.

1996

IBM announced it would extend health benefits to the partners of its gay employees.

2001

The Pentagon ordered dozens of advanced aircraft to the Persian Gulf region as the hour of military retaliation for deadly terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 drew closer.