Today in History

1588

The Spanish Armada set sail for England.

1643

Delegates from four New England colonies met in Boston to form a confederation.

1780

New England's Dark Day, an abnormal darkening of the day sky was observed over the New England states and parts of Canada. It is currently thought this was due to a combination of smoke from forest fires and a thick fog. The darkness was so complete that candles were required from noon until midnight, when it finally dispersed and the stars could be seen.

1795

Josiah Bartlett -- US physician, judge, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, dies at 65. Bartlett, N.H., is named for him.

1935

T.E. Lawrence, also known as "Lawrence of Arabia," died in England from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash.

1967

The Soviet Union ratified a treaty with the United States and Great Britain banning nuclear weapons from outer space.

1971

"Godspell" first opened at the Cherry Lane Theater in New York City. The musical by Stephen Schwartz is based on the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, and is still produced by secular and religious theater groups today.

1994

Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died in New York at age 64.

2001

The Arab League called on Arab governments to sever political contacts with Israel until the Jewish State ended military action against Palestinians.