America’s First Presidential Inauguration
On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as America’s first president.
Military
Birth Of Winston Churchill
On November 30, 1874, future British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was born in Woodstock, England.
Ellis Island Closes
On November 12, 1954, Ellis Island closed, after serving as America’s busiest immigration inspection station for over 60 years.
MacArthur’s Triumphant Return To Philippines
On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return to the Philippines.
Birth of Baron von Steuben
Revolutionary War hero Wilhelm von Steuben was born on September 17, 1730, in Magdeburg, Kingdom of Prussia (present-day Germany).
Opening of the Arc de Triomphe
arc during WWII.
On July 29, 1836, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star) officially opened to the public. Before the plans were made for the Arc de Triomphe, there was a proposal for a different structure in that location. Architect Charles Ribart wanted to build a three-level elephant-shaped building with a spiral staircase and furniture that folded into the walls. However, the French government denied his request.
First Flight Across the English Channel
On July 25, 1909, Louis Blériot became the first person to fly across the English Channel. Born in Cambrai, France, on July 1, 1872, Blériot was the first of five children. At the age of 10, he attended the Institute of Notre Dame in Cambrai, where he often won prizes for his engineering drawings.
Happy Birthday, Ferdinand von Zeppelin!
Ferdinand Adolf Heinrich August Graf von Zeppelin was born on July 8, 1838, in Konstanz, Grand Duchy of Baden (present-day Baden-Württemberg), Germany.
The Bear Flag Revolt
On June 14, 1846, California settlers staged the Bear Flag Revolt in rebellion against the Mexican government.