Dec 9, 1952: The Supreme Court first heard arguments in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. #OTD

The battle lasted less than an hour. By the time it was over, the British had lost more than 100 men killed and wounded. Only one Patriot was wounded. Within the next few days, the Patriots entered Norfolk, and Lord Dunmore fled Virginia. #RevWar250 #OTD

The Virginians then advanced and began firing on Leslie’s reserves. His position compromised, Leslie retreated to Fort Murray. That night, the Tories spiked their cannons and abandoned the fort. #OTD #RevWar250

Despite his wound, Fordice rose and exclaimed “the day is our own!” The British again charged. Several reached the Patriot works before being shot down. Among the dead was Fordice, who fell with no less than fourteen wounds. #RevWar250

As the British advanced up the causeway six men abreast, they fired by platoons. As the British got closer, the Whigs unleashed a withering volley. Both Batut and Fordice went down, and the causeway was scattered with the dead and dying. #RevWar250

British Captain Fordyce emerged from the smoke of burning structures and cannon fire on the south island, leading his officers and grenadiers of the 14th Regiment of Foot. The troops advanced onto the narrow causeway, bordered by quick mire and two small streams. #RevWar250

The British assault was commanded by Captain Charles Fordyce and Lieutenant John Batut.  Further back, a large Tory reserve under the command of Captain Samuel Leslie stood ready to exploit any breakthrough. #RevWar250

The Tories wheeled two cannons into place and opened fire, attempting to break apart the American breastworks. One militia captain called his men to arms, seeing an approaching column in red. The men in red were the Light Infantry and Grenadiers of the 14th Foot. #OTD #RevWar250

Dec 9, 1775: The Battle of Great Bridge-Patriot force commanded by Colonel William Woodford had grown to roughly 900 men. Dunmore decided to drive Woodford back. #OTD #RevWar250

Dec 9, 1972: Grand Rapids became the first Michigan city to climax its traditional Christmas parade with the arrival of a black Santa Claus. #OTD

Dec 9, 1935: The Detroit Lions won their first NFL championship by beating the New York Giants 26–7. #OTD

Dec 9, 1979: A commission of scientists declare smallpox has been eradicated. The disease, which carries around a 30 percent chance of death for those who contract it, is the only infectious disease afflicting humans that has officially been eradicated. #OTD

Dec 9, 1934: The @Giants win the NFL championship by beating the @ChicagoBears, 30-13, famous "Sneakers Game." With the temperature at 9 degrees and the field a sheet of ice, the Giants open the second half wearing basketball shoes and score 27 points in the final quarter. @NFL

Dec 9, 1917: After Turkish troops move out of the region after only a single day s fighting, officials of the Holy City of Jerusalem offer the keys to the city to encroaching British troops. #OTD

Dec 9, 1869: Uriah Smith Stephens, a descendant of Quaker settlers and a former indentured servant, founds a secret order of tailors in Philadelphia called the Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of Labor (or KOL); the first major national labor organization in the US. #OTD

Dec 9, 1835: Inspired by the leadership of Benjamin Rush Milam, the newly created Texan Army takes possession of the city of San Antonio, an important victory for the Republic of Texas in its war for independence from Mexico. #OTD

Dec 9, 1992: 1,800 United States Marines arrive in Mogadishu, Somalia, to spearhead a multinational force aimed at restoring order in the conflict-ridden country. #OTD

Dec 9, 1908: William Harvey Carney, American Civil War soldier (first African-American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism at Fort Wagner) dies. He was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford, Massachusetts. #OTD

Dec 9, 1875: Secretary of the Treasury Benjamin H. Bristow breaks the Whiskey Ring. Businessmen and IRS officials used whiskey tax in Grant's reelection campaign. #OTD

Dec 9, 1863: The mutiny of black troops at Fort Jackson, LA, after two black soldiers are punished by whipping. The insurrection is put down by the white officers. #OTD