WEDNESDAY, Dec. 27, 2023

On this day...

1703 — England & Portugal sign Methuen-Asiento-trade agreement

1825 — First public railroad using steam locomotive completed in England

1831 — Darwin begins his voyage to South America on board the HMS Beagle

1867 — Ontario & Québec legislatures hold first meeting

1926 — Latkin Square in Bronx named for first U.S. Jewish soldier to die in WWI

1934 — Shah of Persia declares Persia now Iran

1939 — First American skimobiles (North Conway NH)

1941 — Japan bombs Manila even though it was declared an "open city"

1945 — International Monetary Fund established - World Bank founded

1961 — Belgium & Congo resume diplomatic relations

1972 — New North Korean constitution comes into effect

1972 — Belgium recognizes German Democratic Republic

1979 — Soviet troops invade Afghánistán, President Hafizullah Amin overthrown

1989 — Oregon begins taking bids on NBA games