June 11 Today in History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1184 BC Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned, according to calculations by Eratosthenes

631 Emperor Taizong of Tang of China, sends envoys to the Xueyantuo bearing gold and silk for the release of Chinese prisoners captured during transition from Sui to Tang from northern frontier; succeeds in freeing 80,000

1776 Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as members

1963 US President JFK says segregation is morally wrong and that it is “time to act”

1987 Margaret Thatcher is 1st British Prime Minister in 160 years to win a third consecutive term

2014 Islamic State of Iraq forces seize control of government offices and other important buildings in the northern city of Mosul

Today’s Historical Events

1184 BC Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned, according to calculations by Eratosthenes

631 Emperor Taizong of Tang of China, sends envoys to the Xueyantuo bearing gold and silk for the release of Chinese prisoners captured during transition from Sui to Tang from northern frontier; succeeds in freeing 80,000

758 Diplomatic dispute at Tang Chinese capital Chang’an when Abbasid Arabs and Uyghur Turks both arrive to offer tribute. Settlement reached when both enter at same time through two different gates.

1144 Basilica of St Denis is dedicated near Paris, the first fully Gothic church

1231 Harderwijk (Netherlands) becomes a city

1345 Alexios Apokaukos, chief minister of the Byzantine Empire, is lynched by political prisoners

1429 Hundred Years’ War: The start of the Battle of Jargeau (France)

1488 Battle of Sauchieburn, rebellion against the Scottish crown results in death of King James III

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1892 The Limelight Department, one of the world’s first film studios, is officially established in Melbourne, Australia

1928 Alfred Hitchcock‘s film, “Case Of Jonathan Drew,” (or “The Lodger”) is released

1947 Perennial Christmas film “Miracle on 34th St” starring John Payne and Maureen O’Hara, directed by George Seaton is released

1953 “Amos ‘n Andy” TV Comedy, also radio from ’29; last aired on CBS

1961 “Winston Churchill” last airs on ABC-TV

1962 “Julie & Carol at Carnegie Hall”, musical comedy/variety television special with Julie Andrews & Carol Burnett premieres on CBS

1975 “Nashville”, directed by Robert Altman and starring Ned Beatty and Ronee Blakley, is released

1976 “Magnificent Marble Machine” last airs on NBC-TV

Today’s Historical Events in Music

1964 Chicago police break up Rolling Stones press conference on a traffic island in the middle of Michigan Avenue

1966 “(I’m A) Road Runner” by Jr Walker & The All-Stars peaks at #20

1966 “I Am A Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel peaks at #3

1966 “On A Clear Day You…” closes at Mark Hellinger NYC after 280 performances

1966 “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones peaks at #1 in the US

1966 “Skyscraper” closes at Lunt Fontanne Theater NYC after 248 performances

1966 “Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys hits #1 in UK

1969 “The Ballad Of John & Yoko” by The Beatles hits #1 in UK; recording involved only John (guitars, vocals, percussion) and Paul (bass, drums, piano, backing voice)

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1898 23rd Preakness: Willie Simms riding Sly Fox wins in 1:49.75

1903 British Open Men’s Golf, Prestwick GC: Harry Vardon wins his 4th Open title by 6 strokes from younger brother Tom Vardon

1904 Cubs’ Bob Wicker no-hits NY Giants, wins in 12th on 1 hitter, 1-0

1907 George Dennett, aided by Gilbert Jessop, dismisses Northamptonshire for 12 runs, the lowest total in first-class cricket

1909 British Open Men’s Golf, Royal Cinque Ports GC: Englishman J.H. Taylor wins Championship for a 4th time, 6 strokes ahead of runners-up Tom Ball and James Braid

1919 51st Belmont: Johnny Loftus riding Sir Barton wins by 5 lengths over Sweep On; first Trip Crown winner

1921 53rd Belmont: Earl Sande riding Grey Lag wins in 2:16.8

1927 59th Belmont: Earl Sande riding Chance Shot wins in 2:32.6