THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Today is Thursday, March 9, the 68th day of 2017. There are 297 days left in the year.

1558 — Geneva becomes independent from Berne canton, Switzerland

1718 — France declares war on Spain

1760 — Afghans defeat Marathas in battle of Barari Ghat

1788 — Connecticut becomes 5th state

1792 — Russia & Turkey sign Peace of Jassy

1793 — Jean Pierre Blanchard makes first balloon flight in North America (Philadelphia)

1793 — Dutch Prince Willem V establishes two brigades Drive Artillery

1799 — Income Tax introduced in UK

1811 — First Women’s Golf Tournament held

1812 — Swedish Pomerania (Germany) seized by Napoleon