TODAY IN HISTORY

1812

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

1814

Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem “Defence of Fort Mchenry” after witnessing the American flag flying over the Maryland fort following a night of British naval bombardment during the War of 1812.

1847

During the Mexican-american War, U.S. forces under Gen. Winfield Scott took control of Mexico City.

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, N.Y., of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin; Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him.

1927

Modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan died in Nice, France, when her scarf became entangled in a wheel of the sports car she was riding in.