Birth of Sylvanus Thayer
“The Father of West Point,” Sylvanus Thayer was born on June 9, 1785, in Braintree, Massachusetts. During his 16 years as superintendent, Thayer transformed West Point into one of the finest military academies in the world.
This Day in History
Happy Birthday, Frank Lloyd Wright!
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born Frank Lincoln Wright on June 8, 1867, in Richland Center, Wisconsin. He’s considered one of the greatest architects of all time.
Birth of Virginia Apgar
Dr. Virginia Apgar was born on June 7, 1909, in Westfield, New Jersey. She was a pioneer in the field of neonatology, the area of medicine that specializes in premature and ill newborns. Her work is credited with drastically reducing infant mortality worldwide.
First Drive-In Movie Theater
On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey. The number of drive-ins in the US would eventually grow to over 4,000, becoming a beloved pastime for millions.
Lowell National Historical Park
On June 5, 1978, Lowell National Historical Park was founded in Massachusetts. Lowell has been called the “Cradle of the American Industrial Revolution,” for the important role it played in the rise of America’s textile industry.
Birth of Charles R. Drew
Doctor and medical researcher Charles R. Drew was born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, DC. During World War II, Drew developed programs and blood mobiles to help the war effort.
Only Presidential White House Wedding
On June 2, 1886, President Grover Cleveland married Frances Folsom in the White House, making him the only US president to be married in the executive mansion.
Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition
On June 1, 1909, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition opened in Seattle, Washington. The Expo honored the purchase of Alaska, the Klondike Gold Rush, and trade in the Pacific.
Birth of Emily Bissell
Emily Perkins Bissell was born on May 31, 1861, in Wilmington, Delaware. Bissell was a noted social worker and activist, best known as the creator of America’s Christmas Seals program that raised money to fight tuberculosis.