New York Stock Exchange opens in 1882
On this day in 1882, the New York Stock Exchange opened its doors for the first time. It was created to provide a centralized location for stockbrokers to conduct business with each other.
US President Theodore Roosevelt dies in 1919
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, died on this day in 1919. He was known for his progressive policies, such as the Square Deal, which aimed to protect consumers and regulate big business.
First Super Bowl is played in 1967
The first Super Bowl was played on this day in 1967. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 in the game, which was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurs in 1986
On this day in 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after takeoff, killing all seven crew members aboard. The tragedy resulted in a 32-month hiatus in the Space Shuttle program while NASA investigated the cause of the accident.
The Berlin Wall is opened in 1989
On this day in 1989, the Berlin Wall was opened after standing for nearly 30 years. The wall had divided East and West Berlin and was a symbol of the Cold War. The opening of the wall marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated for the first time in 1986
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was celebrated for the first time on this day in 1986. The holiday was established to honor the civil rights leader and his contributions to the fight for racial equality in the United States.
The first American to orbit the Earth is launched in 1962
John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth on this day in 1962. He completed three orbits in the Friendship 7 spacecraft and became a national hero for his achievement.
The first successful human heart transplant is performed in 1967
The first successful human heart transplant was performed on this day in 1967 by South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard. The patient, Louis Washkansky, survived for 18 days before dying of pneumonia.
The Bill of Rights is ratified in 1791
The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, was ratified on this day in 1791. The amendments were added to protect the individual rights of American citizens.
The first lunar landing is made in 1969
On this day in 1969, the United States achieved the first manned lunar landing as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon.
The Taj Mahal is completed in 1653
The Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks in India, was completed on this day in 1653. The mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The first successful test of the atomic bomb is conducted in 1945
The first successful test of the atomic bomb was conducted on this day in 1945 at the Alamogordo Bombing Range in New Mexico. The test was part of the Manhattan Project, which aimed to develop the first nuclear weapons for use in World War II.
The first US Presidential Election is held in 1789
The first US Presidential Election was held on this day in 1789, with George Washington being elected as the first President of the United States. The election marked the beginning of the American democratic process.
The Statue of Liberty is dedicated in 1886
The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was dedicated on this day in 1886. The statue was a gift from France to the United States and is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
The first modern Olympic Games are held in 1896
The first modern Olympic Games were held on this day in 1896 in Athens, Greece. The games featured athletes from 14 countries competing in 43 events.
The first successful human flight is made in 1903
Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful human flight on this day in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, flew for 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet.
The Battle of Gettysburg begins in 1863
The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War, began on this day in 1863. The battle lasted for three days and resulted in a Union victory.
The first US patent is issued in 1790
The first US patent was issued on this day in 1790 to inventor Samuel Hopkins for a process of making potash, a substance used in soap and glass production.
The first public library is opened in the United States in 1835
The first public library in the United States was opened on this day in 1835 in Peterborough, New Hampshire. The library was founded by a group of citizens who believed that access to books and education was essential for the well-being of the community.
The first transatlantic telegraph cable is completed in 1858
The first transatlantic telegraph cable was completed on this day in 1858, connecting Europe and North America for the first time. The cable was laid by the SS Great Eastern, a massive steamship built specifically for the task.