Collapse of the Honeymoon Bridge
On January 27, 1938, the Honeymoon Bridge at Niagara Falls collapsed from the force of ice on the river pressing against its supports. It had been the largest steel arch bridge in the world.
Technology
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.
George Washington Bridge
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.
America’s First Superhighway
On October 1, 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to drivers. Measuring 160-miles at the time of its opening, it’s considered the first superhighway in the US and helped inspire other state turnpikes and America’s Interstate Highway System.
Founding of the Mayo Clinic
On September 30, 1889, the first building of the Mayo Clinic opened to the public. Today its one of the world’s largest medical centers and the top-ranked hospital in the US.
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.
The First Printing Press in America
On September 25, 1639, the first printing press in America was set up in Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony. The press remained in continuous use for 150 years, printing some of the first books in the New World.
American Association for the Advancement of Science
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) was founded on September 20, 1848, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It grew to become the world’s largest general scientific society with more than 120,000 members.
Start of the Electrical Age
On September 4, 1882, Thomas Edison began providing electricity to a portion of New York City, an event often considered the start of the electrical age.