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June 23
1611. After spending the winter ashore in the New World after his ship had become trapped in the ice during his fourth voyage, Henry Hudson wished to continue exploring. His crew rather vehemently disagreed. Matters came to a head on this date, when his crew mutinied. Hudson, his teenage son John and six crew members were set adrift in a small open boat. None of them were ever seen again. Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait in Canada, the Hudson River, and Hudson County (one in each of NY and NJ) are named after him.
1812. Great Britain revokes restrictions on American trade, eliminating most of the reasons for the War of 1812. America rather stupidly continues to pursue the war.
1812. Happily, America's stupidity is far exceeded on this date in history. Today, Napoleon invades Russia.
1917. Best substitute pitcher ever. After Red Sox pitcher Babe Ruth walks the first batter in the game, he engages in a heated argument with the umpire, and eventually is ejected and punches the umpire (a glancing blow). Ernie Shore comes in in "relief". The runner at first is caught stealing, and Shore retires the next 26 batters in a row.
1926. The first SAT exam is administered.
1940. Hitler visits Paris.
1972. President Nixon and aide H.R. Haldemann are taped discussing using the CIA to interfere with the FBI's investigation of the Watergate hotel break in.
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