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The Founding of the American Red Cross Organization
The organization was founded by Clara Barton and Adolphus Solomons. It provided aid to wounded soldiers during wars and citizens during natural disasters. -
President James A. Garfield is Shot
President Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. He fortunately survived this incident. -
Invention of the Metal Detector
After President Garfield was shot, Bell created a device in order to locate the bullet in his body. The device wasn't successful, but it was a start. -
Pablo Picasso is Born
Famous artist Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain. He is best known for his abstract pieces and is one of the most influential artist to this day. -
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is Born
Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in New York. He was the 32nd president of the U.S. and the only to be elected for four terms. -
The First Labor Day Holiday Celebration
The Central Labor Union organized a day to honor American workers. It is unsure whether Peter McGuire or Mathew Maguire had the idea to have a day to celebrate hard workers and their efforts. -
The First U.S. Hydroelectric Power Plant to Sell Electricity Opens
The Appleton Edison Light Company was located on the Fox River and generated electricity through water. It was created by Hiram Rogers and worked to power nearby homes and small machines. -
A Patent for the First Cash Register
James Ritty and John Birch patented the first mechanical cash register. It was able to record sales transactions and ran a bell every time a sale went through. It was made early, but officially patented on this day. -
Eruption of the Volcano Krakatoa
A volcano in Indonesia erupted becoming one of the most catastrophic events in history. It lasted for two days and killed an estimate of 36,000 people. -
Railroads Create the First Time Zones
The U.S. and Canadian railroads created four time zones in order to standardize train schedules and improve their efficiency. The four time zones are the same ones used today (ET, CT, MT, and PT). -
Oxford Dictionary Debuts in the U.S.
The Oxford English Dictionary is one of the most commonly used and reliable dictionaries in the U.S. It has aimed to document the history and definition of every word in the English language. -
U.S. is Gifted the Statue of Liberty
France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a symbol of friendship and freedom. It arrived in New York Harbor in 350 pieces and was assembled on Liberty Island. -
The First Glass of Coca‑Cola
Coca-Cola was created by pharmacist Dr. John Pemberton as a medicine. It was marketed as a cure for headaches and fatigue, but quickly became a popular soft drink due to its delectable taste. -
First Groundhog Day
The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to tradition, if the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will last six more weeks and if not, spring will come early. -
Britain Celebrates Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee marked her 50th year as Britain’s queen, celebrating her reign. The festivities showcased Britain’s global power and Victoria’s popularity. -
National Geographic Society is Formed
The National Geographic Society was founded in Washington, D.C., to promote the study of geography and exploration. It later became famous for its magazine, which brought stunning photography and scientific discoveries to the public. -
Jack the Ripper’s First Victim is Murdered
The first confirmed victim of Jack the Ripper, Mary Ann Nichols, was found murdered in London’s Whitechapel district. The murders of at least five women remain unsolved and the identity of Jack the Ripper is still unknown. -
Benjamin Harrison Takes Office
Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd president of the United States. Throughout his presidency, he had notable accomplishments like admitting six states into the Union and signing the Forest Reserve Act (1891). -
The Eiffel Tower is Open to the Public
The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and stands at 1,083 feet. -
The Wall Street Journal is Founded
Charles H. Dow of Dow Jones Company launched this newspaper as a way to showcase news, business, and finance. It was popularized by business professionals and investors. -
The First State Constitution to Grant Women the Right to Vote
It is officially written into the Wyoming's constitution that women can vote and the state's convention approves. Later, Wyoming is admitted to the Union making it the first state to allow women to vote. -
Idaho Becomes 43rd State
Welcoming Idaho to the United States is a huge win due to its rich natural resources like silver and gold. Benjamin Harrison is the president to do it. -
First Execution by Electric Chair
Harold P. Brown and Arthur Kennelly design the first electric chair and use it to execute William Kemmler. Kemmler is convicted of murder.