Events, Births and Deaths Happening on this Date

1787

The Constitution of the United States was completed and signed by a majority of delegates attending the constitutional convention in Philadelphia.

1862

Union forces hurled back a Confederate invasion of Maryland in the Civil War Battle of Antietam. During the battle, 23,100 were killed, wounded or captured, making it the bloodiest day in United States military history.

1920

The American Professional Football Association - a precursor of the National Football League - was formed in Canton, Ohio.

1939

The Soviet Union invaded Poland, more than two weeks after Nazi Germany launched its assault.

1947

James V. Forrestal was sworn in as the first U.S. Secretary of Defense as a new National Military Establishment unified America's armed forces.

1972

''M.A.S.H.'' premiered on CBS.

1976

NASA unveiled the space shuttle Enterprise at ceremonies in Palmdale, Calif.

1980

Former Nicaraguan president Anastasio Somoza was assassinated in Paraguay.

1986

The Senate confirmed the nomination of William H. Rehnquist to become the 16th chief justice of the United States.

1992

Special prosecutor Lawrence Walsh called a halt to his five-and-a-half-year probe of the Iran-Contra scandal.

1994

Heather Whitestone of Alabama was crowned Miss America, the first deaf woman to win the title.

1997

Northern Ireland's main Protestant party joined peace talks, bringing the major players together for first time.

1999

President Clinton lifted restrictions on trade, travel and banking imposed on North Korea a half-century earlier, rewarding it for agreeing to curb missile tests.

1982

David Dubinsky, Russian-born American labor leader

1996

Former Vice President Spiro T. Agnew died in Berlin, Md.

2024

J.D Souther, American singer, songwriter, and actor. He wrote and co-wrote songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles. Souther was known for his songwriting abilities, especially in the field of country rock. (b. 1945)