‘Rock Around the Clock’ became first rock hit

Today is July 9. On this date:

1755

British General Edward Braddock was mortally wounded as his troops suffered a massive defeat during the French and Indian War (he died four days later).

1776

The Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Gen. George Washington’s troops in New York.

1850

The 12th president of the United States, Zachary Taylor, died after serving only 16 months of his term. (He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore.)

1918

A train collision in Nashville, Tennessee, resulted in 101 people killed.

1918

The Distinguished Service Cross was established by an Act of Congress.

1937

A fire at 20th Century Fox’s film storage facility in Little Ferry, New Jersey, destroyed most of the studio’s silent films.