September 7th, 2008

Today in History

2004:
The Serbian government backs a decision by Minister of Education and Sport Ljiljana ?oli? to require the teaching of both creationism and evolution in schools.

1977:
The Torrijos-Carter Treaties between Panama and the United States on the status of the Panama Canal are signed. The US agrees to transfer control of the canal to Panama at the end of the 20th century.

1943:
A fire at the Gulf Hotel in Houston, Texas, kills 55 people.

1822:
Brazil declares its independence from Portugal.

1821:
The Republic of Gran Colombia (a federation covering much of presentday Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador) was established, with Simón Bolívar as the founding President and Francisco de Paula Santander as vice president.