This Day In History

 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 on substances that harm the ozone layer. To date, 168 nations have joined the protocol.