TODAY IN HISTORY

1571

At the Battle of Lepanto in the Mediterranean Sea, the Christian galley fleet destroys the Turkish galley fleet.

1630

The town of Trimountaine in Massachusetts is renamed Boston. It became the state capital.

1701

England, Austria, and the Netherlands form an Alliance against France.

1812

On the road to Moscow, Napoleon wins a costly victory over the Russians at Borodino.

1888

An incubator is used for the first time on a premature infant.

1892

The first heavy-weight-title boxing match fought with gloves under Marquis of Queensbury rules ends when James J. Corbett knocks out John L. Sullivan in the 21st round.

1912

French aviator Roland Garros sets an altitude record of 13,200 feet.

1940

Germany’s blitz against London begins during the Battle of Britain.

1942

The Red Army pushes back the German line northwest of Stalingrad.

1953

Nikita Krushchev elected first secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.