December 4th, 2008

Today in History

1991:
1991 - US airline Pan Am ends operations.

1981:
South Africa grants "homeland" Ciskei independence (not recognized outside South Africa).

1958:
Dahomey (present-day Benin) becomes a self-governing country within the French Community.

1872:
The crewless American ship Mary Celeste is found by the British brig Dei Gratia (the ship was abandoned for 9 days but was only slightly damaged).

1829:
In the face of fierce opposition, British Lord William Bentinck carries a regulation declaring that all who abetted suttee in India were guilty of culpable homicide.