Birth of Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla was born on July 10, 1856, in Smiljan, Austrian Empire (present-day Croatia). A brilliant inventor, engineer, and physicist, his experiments and research changed the world.
Inventors
Death of Cyrus McCormick
Inventor and businessman Cyrus McCormick died on May 13, 1884, in Chicago, Illinois. He’s best known for his mechanical reaper, which increased productivity, and advanced the industrialization of agriculture in dozens of nations.
World’s First Telephone Call
On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell transmitted the first words by telephone, to his assistant in another room. Bell had received his patent for the telephone three days earlier.
Debut of World’s First Jukebox
On November 23, 1889, the world’s first jukebox was displayed and used at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco, California.
Birth of Samuel P. Langley
Samuel Pierpont Langley was born on August 22, 1834, in Roxbury, Massachusetts. An aviation pioneer, he invented steam-powered aerodromes, which set flight records and inspired further advances in the field.
The World Debut of “The Greatest Thing” – Sliced Bread!
On July 7, 1928, sliced bread was sold for the first time in Chillicothe, Missouri. While many were initially skeptical, sliced bread soon became a staple in American homes.
Abraham Lincoln is Awarded Patent
On May 22, 1849, Abraham Lincoln became the only future US president to receive a patent. His invention was intended to help ships more easily move over difficult obstacles in shallow water.
First Successful Wireless Communication Over Water
On May 13, 1897, Guglielmo Marconi sent the world’s first wireless communication over open sea. For his pioneering work, Marconi later received the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Famous Americans Series Begins
On January 29, 1940, the US Post Office Department issued the first stamps in the Famous Americans Series. It honors 35 Americans from 7 professions based on recommendations submitted by the public.