Playwright and director Moss Hart was born on October 24, 1904, in New York City, New York. From humble beginnings in the Bronx, he rose to become one of Broadway’s most celebrated writers and directors, shaping American theater with his wit, warmth, and imagination.
On October 23, 1944, the Japanese Navy launched a massive counterattack against the Allied invasion of the Philippines, beginning the Battle of Leyte Gulf—the largest naval battle in world history and a turning point in the Pacific War. The four-day struggle shattered Japan’s fleet and ended its ability to fight a large-scale naval war.
On October 22, 1879, Thomas Edison staged his first successful test of an electric light bulb with a carbon filament. Contrary to popular belief, Edison didn’t invent the light bulb. Dozens of inventors over several decades made their own versions, creating the basis for Edison’s light.
On October 21, 1797, the USS Constitution was launched into service in Boston Harbor. Today, more than two centuries later, it remains the world’s oldest commissioned naval ship still afloat — a proud symbol of the early United States Navy and the nation’s determination to protect its freedom and trade.
On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled one of the most famous promises of World War II when he waded ashore on the Philippine island of Leyte and declared, “People of the Philippines, I have returned!” This moment marked the beginning of the long-awaited liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation and cemented MacArthur’s reputation as a determined and strategic military leader.
Ingrid Bergman was born on August 29, 1915 in Stockholm, Sweden, and was named after the princess of Sweden at the time. Appearing in over 50 films in five different languages, earning numerous awards, Ingrid Bergman will always be remembered as one of the most accomplished actresses of the 20th century.
On August 9, 1930, Betty Boop made her first cartoon appearance in Fleischer Studios’ Dizzy Dishes. From her humble beginnings as a secondary character, she soon grew into the studio’s biggest star.
On July 27, 1940, the world first met Bugs Bunny and heard him utter his now famous phrase, “Eh, what’s up, Doc?”
On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney realized one of his long-time dreams when he opened his Disneyland amusement park in Anaheim, California. For decades, it was the most-visited park in the world.
On October 24, 1861, Western Union joined the eastern and western lines in Salt Lake City, Utah, completing the Transcontinental Telegraph. Soon, intricately engraved stamps were produced for the different telegraph companies to show that messages had been paid for.
On October 24, 1951, the United Nations issued its first postage stamps. The UN is the only organization that’s neither a country or territory to issue its own postage stamps.
On October 24, 1861, the people of West Virginia voted to secede from the Confederate state of Virginia. They would achieve statehood less than tow years later.
On October 24, 1931, the George Washington Bridge was dedicated, officially opening to traffic the next day. One of the world’s busiest bridges, the George Washington Bridge is also the world’s only 14-lane suspension bridge.
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