TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

1814

Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” (later “The Star-Spangled Banner”) after witnessing the American flag flying over the Maryland fort following a night of British naval bombardment during the War of 1812.

ALSO ON THIS DATE

1812

Napoleon Bonaparte’s troops entered Moscow following the Battle of Borodino to find the Russian city largely abandoned and parts set ablaze.

1836

Former Vice President Aaron Burr died in Staten Island, N.Y., at age 80.

1861

The first naval engagement of the Civil War took place as the USS Colorado attacked and sank the Confederate private schooner Judah off Pensacola, Florida.

1901

President William McKinley died in Buffalo, New York, of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin; Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him.

1982

Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly film star Grace Kelly, died at age 52of injuries from a car crash the day before; Lebanon’s president-elect, Bashir Gemayel, was killed by a bomb.

1994

On the 34th day of a strike by players, Acting Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced the 1994 season was over.

2001

Americans packed churches and clogged public squares on a day of remembrance for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. President George W. Bush prayed with his Cabinet and attended services at Washington National Cathedral, then flew to New York, where he waded into the ruins of the World Trade Center and addressed rescue workers in a flag-waving, bullhornwielding show of resolve.