A 15-Inch Snowflake Falls in Montana!
On January 28, 1887, it was claimed that a snowflake 15 inches across and eight inches thick fell on Fort Keough, Montana. While this claim hasn’t been verified, unusually large snowflakes are possible…
Science
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Smallpox is Declared Eradicated
On December 9, 1979 the Global Commission for the Certification of Smallpox Eradication completed their task, confirming the disease would no longer be spread naturally.
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Bixby Creek Bridge Opens
On November 27, 1932, the Bixby Creek Bridge opened on the Big Sur coast of California. It was the longest concrete arch span in California and the highest single-span arch bridge in the world at the time of its completion.
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Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Opens
On November 21, 1964, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge first opened to traffic. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, and remains the longest bridge in America today.
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Birth of Crawford Long
Crawford Williamson Long was born on November 1, 1815, in Danielsville, Georgia. Long became the first person to use ether on a patient in surgery and the publication of his findings led to its widespread use among other doctors.
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Birth of John Dewey
John Dewey was born on October 20, 1859, in Burlington, Vermont. A philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, he proposed educational theories that shaped education in America in the 20th century.
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Happy Birthday Helen Hayes
Stage and screen actress Helen Hayes was born on October 10, 1900, in Washington, DC. Dubbed “The First Lady of the American Theater,” she’s one of just 16 people to win Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards (often referred to as EGOTs).
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First State Fair in America
On September 29, 1841, New York held the first state fair in the US. Today it’s the oldest and one of the most highly attended of all US state fairs.
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Happy Birthday, Walter Reed
Major Walter Reed, M.D., was born on September 13, 1851, in Belroi, Gloucester County, Virginia. Reed confirmed the theory that yellow fever was spread by particular mosquito species. This led to decreased cases and a treatment, which ultimately saved countless lives in the building of the Panama Canal.
