Today in history

Today is Tuesday, December 26, the 360th day of 2017 and the sixth day of winter.

On this date in the SCV: In 1946, The Signal reported that Bonelli Ranch Stadium in Saugus rang speedway seaaon with the staging of the 12th winter season hotrod series. The New Year’s 30-lapper was the featured attraction and the southland’s star roadster aces were in the lineup for a whirl at first money. The Saugus strip had enjoyed its most successful year in speedway competition.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1776, after staging a surprise attack, George Washington and the Continental Army scored a major upset victory over the British in the Battle of Trenton. In 1908, boxer Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns, becoming the first African-American heavyweight champion. In 1966, the pan-African holiday Kwanzaa, founded by UCLA professor Maulana Karenga, was celebrated for the first time. In 2004, a powerful earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a massive tsunami that claimed the lives of at least 226,000 in Southeast Asia and east Africa.

Today’s fact: Despite its impact in the Colonies, the Battle of

Trenton was fought by relatively small numbers on both sides – an estimated 2,400 Continental Army soldiers defeated the 1,500-strong British/Hessian garrison.

Today’s sports: In 1919, Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth’s contract to the New York Yankees.

Today’s number: 12,000 – length (in miles) of China’s highspeed rail system, the longest in the world. The 175-mile section connecting Beijing to Shijiazhuang opened on this day in 2012.

Today’s moon: First quarter moon (Dec. 26).