September 16
1630
The Massachusetts village of Shawmut changed its name to Boston.
1810
Mexico began its revolt against Spanish rule.
1908
General Motors was founded by William C. Durant.
1919
The American Legion was incorporated by an act of Congress.
1940
The United States first adopted peacetime conscription when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act into law.
1974
President Ford announced conditional amnesty for Vietnam War deserters and draft evaders.
1975
Papua New Guinea became independent.
1982
Lebanese Christians massacred hundreds of Palestinian refugees in Beirut.
1987
The Montreal Protocol was signed by 25 nations, limiting production of substances that harm the ozone layer. To date, 197 nations have ratified the protocol.
Birthdays
Nadia Boulanger
Pronunciation: [nädyä´ bOOläNzhA´]
1887–1979, French conductor and musician, born in Paris.
James Jerome Hill
railroad builder (1838)
Albrecht Kossel
physiologist (1853)
Jean Arp
sculptor, painter (1887)
Allen Funt
radio and television producer (1914)
Lauren Bacall
actress (1924)
Charlie Byrd
jazz guitarist (1925)