On March 4, 1789, the US Congress met for the first time under the terms of the recently ratified US Constitution. March 4th would remain a significant date for many years as it would be the last day of Congress’ two-year sessions and the day presidents were inaugurated.
One of America’s oldest railroads, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, was first established on February 28, 1827. The railroad was at the forefront of transportation history for decades – pioneer the use of steam engines to electric and beyond.
On February 27, 1860, Abraham Lincoln gave one of the most important speeches of his career – the Cooper Union Address.
On February 26, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge signed legislation creating Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.
On February 23, 1857, a group of 13 architects met in New York City and discussed founding an organization to “promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members.” That organization became the American Institute of Architects.
On February 22, 1921, experimental overnight transcontinental airmail flights between San Francisco and New York were launched. Despite a rocky start, the flights were a resounding success, earning support and funding for expanded service.
On February 21, 1828, the first Native American newspaper, utilizing Sequoyah’s Cherokee Syllabary, was printed. The paper presented official laws and documents of the Cherokee nation as well as local and national news.
On February 20, 1792, George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, creating the US Post Office.
On February 18, 1939, the Golden Gate International Exposition opened in San Francisco, California. Initially planned to honor the completion of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, it was expanded to honor all the countries and continents surrounding the Pacific.