TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is Monday, Dec. 30, the 364th day of 2019. There is one day left in the year.

Today’s highlight in history

On Dec. 30, 1922, Vladimir Lenin proclaimed the establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which lasted nearly seven decades before dissolving in December 1991.

On this date

In 1813, British troops burned Buffalo, N.Y., during the War of 1812.

In 1853, the United States and Mexico signed a treaty under which the U.S. agreed to buy some 45,000 square miles of land from Mexico for $10 million in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase.

In 1860, 10 days after South Carolina seceded from the Union, the state militia seized the United States Arsenal in Charleston.

In 1903, about 600 people died when fire broke out at the recently opened Iroquois Theater in Chicago.

In 1940, California’s first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway connecting Los Angeles and Pasadena, was officially opened by Gov. Culbert L. Olson.

Today’s birthdays

Baseball Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax is 84. Director James Burrows is 79. Singer-musician Michael Nesmith is 77. Singer Patti Smith is 73. TV personality Meredith Vieira is 66. Actress-comedian Tracey Ullman is 60. Radio-tv commentator Sean Hannity is 58. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is 56. Actress Maureen Flannigan is 47. Golfer Tiger Woods is 44. TV personalityboxer Laila Ali is 42. NBA player Lebron James is 35. Rhythm-and-blues singer Andra Day is 35. Pop-rock singer Ellie Goulding is 33.