Birth of Casey Jones
Train engineer Jonathon Luther Jones was born on March 14, 1863, in Missouri. He later became an American folk hero after sacrificing his own life to save his passengers.
Transportation
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Parents Mail Children Through Parcel Post
On February 19, 1914, parents in Idaho took advantage of the affordable Parcel Post rate to mail their daughter to her grandmother’s house. It was one of several instances of people mailing children using stamps.
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New Jersey Becomes 3rd State
On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the Constitution and join the Union.
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America’s First Automobile Race
On November 28, 1895, the Chicago Times-Herald Race was held between six cars. It was America’s first automobile race.
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Birth of Robert Fulton
Engineer and inventor Robert Fulton was born on November 14, 1765, in Little Britain, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He’s best known for developing the first commercially viable steamboat, though he also patented several other inventions during his lifetime.
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First Public Steam Engine Railroad
On September 27, 1825, the Stockton-Darlington Railway inaugurated its first steam engine-powered trip, carrying passengers and coal. The success of that trip proved the rails could be used for transporting more than coal and helped to popularize steam locomotives in Europe and the US.
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Disabled American Veterans
On September 25, 1920, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was officially established as a national social welfare organization. The organization provides millions of dollars in support for disabled veterans.
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Duryea Brothers Test-Drive America’s First Gas-Powered Car
On September 21, 1893, the Duryea brothers successfully tested America’s first gasoline-powered car in Massachusetts. Before a crowd of spectators, they exhibited the capabilities of unusual new vehicle.
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Century of Progress World’s Fair
The 1933 World’s Fair opened in Chicago, Illinois, on May 27, 1933. The fair was so popular, it ran for two years and was the first international fair to pay for itself.
