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.
Technology
First US Space Shuttle Docking to Mir
On June 29, 1995, the US Space Shuttle Atlantis docked the Russian space station Mir for the first time. The mission, STS-71, was the third in the US/Russian Shuttle-Mir program. It began on June 27, 1995, when the Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This was the 100th US human space launch from Cape Canaveral.
Premiere of the First Ferris Wheel
On June 21, 1893, the Ferris wheel debuted at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. One of the fair’s most popular attractions, it had over one million riders over the course of the fair.
Indianapolis 500
On May 30, 1911, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway held its first 200-lap, 500-mile race, dubbed the Indianapolis (or Indy) 500. Today, the speedway is the world’s largest sports facility, hosting “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Opening of the Golden Gate Bridge
On May 28, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge officially opened to traffic. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its opening and was dubbed a “Wonder of the World” structure.
Opening of the Chrysler Building
On May 27, 1930, the Chrysler Building, the tallest man-made structure at the time, opened to the public.
Pan-American Exposition & Stamps
The Pan-American Exposition opened to the public on May 1, 1901, in Buffalo, New York. That same day the set of six Pan-American stamps went on sale.
Formation of the World Health Organization
On April 7, 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) was officially created as a specialized agency of the United Nations. The WHO coordinates international efforts to combat outbreaks of infectious diseases and conduct research and education.
Birth of Charles W. Eliot
Educator Charles William Eliot was born on March 20, 1834, in Boston, Massachusetts. A pioneer in higher education reform, he was Harvard’s youngest and longest-serving president, and helped make it the premier university it is today.