Today in History — October 11

1614– Adriaen Block and 12 Amsterdam merchants petition the States General for a charter to found the New Netherland Co. The company will get a three-year charter to control all trade between English Virginia and French Canada. Its charter won’t be renewed because plans are underway for the even more ambitious Dutch West India Co.

1844 – Ketchup tycoon Henry John Heinz is born at Pittsburgh. He will start his career selling vegetables from a wheelbarrow at age 8.

1852 – Australia’s oldest university, the University of Sydney, is inaugurated. Three years later it will open the country’s first law school .

1872– Future U.S. Chief Justice (and Columbia Law School dean) Harlan Fiske Stone is born at Chesterfield, New Hampshire.

1899 – The Western League of Professional Base Ball Clubs changes its name to “American League,” the first step in its ultimate plan to create a new major league to rival the National League.

1976 – George Washington, who has been dead for 177 years, is promoted to General of the Armies by Congress. He declines to comment.

2007 – With all indicators pointing to an extended period of explosive economic growth in the United States, the Dow Jones Industrial Average hits a record 14,198.10 points.

FGS