This Day in History Class
1,999 episodes — Page 12 of 40
East German border guards shoot a man trying to cross the Berlin Wall - August 17th, 1962
On this day in 1962, eighteen-year-old Peter Fechter was gunned down by East German border guards while attempting to climb over the Berlin Wall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Edwin Prescott receives the first patent for a vertical loop roller coaster - August 16th, 1898
On this day in 1898, inventor and mechanic Edwin Prescott was granted the first patent for a vertical loop roller coaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
King Macbeth of Scotland is defeated at the Battle of Lumphanan - August 15th, 1057
On this day in 1057, Malcolm Canmore avenged his father’s death by slaying King Macbeth of Scotland at the Battle of Lumphanan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The nearly complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex is unearthed in South Dakota - August 12th, 1990
On this day in 1990, fossil hunters in South Dakota uncovered the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever found.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
America's first roller skating rink opens in Newport, Rhode Island - August 11th, 1866
On this day in 1866, James Plimpton opened the first public roller skating rink in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Smithsonian Institution is established - August 10th, 1846
On this day in 1846, thanks to an unusual bequest from British scientist James Smithson, the Smithsonian Institution was established in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. Forest Service introduces Smokey Bear - August 9th, 1944
On this day in 1944, Smokey Bear was chosen as the mascot of a new forest fire prevention campaign in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Masked bandits rob a Royal Mail train in England - August 8th, 1963
On this day in 1963, a masked gang committed the most notorious train robbery in British history, when they stole £2.6 million from a Traveling Post Office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Operation Big Switch begins at Panmunjom, Korea - August 5th, 1953
On this day in 1953, with the Korean War winding down, both sides of the conflict began to exchange their remaining prisoners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Saturday Evening Post publishes its first issue - August 4th, 1821
On this day in 1821, The Saturday Evening Post published its inaugural issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
RadioShack introduces the TRS-80 personal computer - August 3rd, 1977
On this day in 1977, electronics retailer RadioShack unveiled the TRS-80, one of the first personal computers marketed to the average consumer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first U.S. census is conducted - August 2nd, 1790
On this day in 1790, federal marshals set out on horseback to begin the first official count of the American people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The cable television network MTV is launched - August 1st, 1981
On this day in 1981, MTV went on the air for the first time at 12:01 AM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
English naval forces defeat the Spanish Armada - July 29th, 1588
On this day in 1588, the Spanish Armada was defeated by an English naval force off the coast of Gravelines, France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Western Union delivers its first singing telegram - July 28th, 1933
On this day in 1933, a Western Union operator named Lucille Lipps delivered the company’s first singing telegram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bugs Bunny makes his official debut in the animated short film "A Wild Hare" - July 27th, 1940
On this day in 1940, cartoon icon Bugs Bunny appeared for the first time in the Warner Bros. animated short “A Wild Hare.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Erfurt Latrine Disaster - July 26th, 1184
On this day in 1184, dozens of noblemen plunged to their deaths after a floor collapsed above a monastery cesspit in modern-day Germany.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Roseanne Barr sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a Major League Baseball game - July 25th, 1990
On this day in 1990, actress and comedian Roseanne Barr sang an ear-splitting rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the start of a Major League Baseball game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Plan 9 from Outer Space is released in theaters - July 22nd, 1959
On this day in 1959, Ed Wood’s campy cult classic Plan 9 from Outer Space premiered in theaters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vostok Research Station measures the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth - July 21st, 1983
On this day in 1983, at Russia’s Vostok research station in Antarctica, scientists reported the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A town in Massachusetts makes a giant cheese ball for Thomas Jefferson - July 20th, 1801
On this day in 1801, the town of Cheshire, Massachusetts, made a 1,235-pound cheese wheel as a gift for President Thomas Jefferson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two supertankers collide in the Caribbean Sea - July 19th, 1979
On this day in 1979, during a tropical storm, two enormous supertankers collided off the coast of Tobago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first Oscar Mayer Wienermobile hits the streets of Chicago - July 18th, 1936
On this day in 1936, Oscar Mayer’s original Wienermobile made its debut in the company’s hometown of Chicago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A school bus is hijacked in Chowchilla, California - July 15th, 1976
On this day in 1976, three men kidnapped a school bus driver and 26 children in Chowchilla, California.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Spock's The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care is published - July 14th, 1946
On this day in 1946, Dr. Benjamin Spock’s seminal book about child care was published for the first time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
P. T. Barnum’s museum mysteriously burns to the ground - July 13th, 1865
On this day in 1865, P. T. Barnum’s American Museum in New York City was destroyed in a mysterious fire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Disco Demolition Night" turns violent at Comiskey Park in Chicago - July 12th, 1979
On this day in 1979, a promotional event at a Major League Baseball game devolved into a dangerous riot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An American surgeon creates controversy after using zippers in place of stitches - July 11th, 1985
On this day in 1985, Dr. Harry Harlan Stone announced the successful use of zippers to open and close surgical incisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung dies - July 8th, 1994
On this day in 1994, Communist dictator and founder of North Korea Kim Il-Sung died of a heart attack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sandra Day O’Connor is nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court - July 7th, 1981
On this day in 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated court of appeals judge Sandra Day O’Connor to be the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Notorious pirate Captain William Kidd is captured in Boston - July 6th, 1699
On this day in 1699, Captain William Kidd was arrested and jailed in Boston on charges of piracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first bikini swimsuit makes its debut in Paris - July 5th, 1946
On this day in 1946, French designer Louis Réard introduced the world to the bikini.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Booker T. Washington opens the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama - July 4th, 1881
On this day in 1881, the Tuskegee State Normal School, now Tuskegee University, opened its doors to students for the first time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. Postal Service introduces the ZIP Code - July 1st, 1963
On this day in 1963, the ZIP Code was introduced as part of a nationwide effort to improve the speed of mail delivery in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
French acrobat Charles Blondin crosses Niagara Falls on a tightrope - June 30th, 1859
On this day in 1859, French daredevil Charles Blondin became the first person to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. space shuttle Atlantis docks with the Russian space station Mir - June 29th, 1995
On this day in 1995, the American space shuttle Atlantis docked in orbit with the Russian space station Mir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adolphe Sax patents the saxophone - June 28th, 1846
On this day in 1846, Belgian musician and inventor Adolphe Sax secured the patent for a brand new instrument: the saxophone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first Newbery Medal for children’s literature is awarded - June 27th, 1922
On this day in 1922, the Newbery Medal was awarded for the first time as a way to recognize excellence in children’s literature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pablo Picasso's first major exhibition opens in Paris - June 24th, 1901
On this day in 1901, Spanish painter Pablo Picasso held the first major exhibition of his artwork at a gallery in Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Charlie Daniels Band releases its hit single "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" - June 23rd, 1979
On this day in 1979, The Charlie Daniels Band released a hit single called “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
English explorer Henry Hudson is set adrift by mutineers - June 22nd, 1611
On this day in 1611, English navigator Henry Hudson was cast adrift with eight others after his mutinuous crew seized control of his ship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. Supreme Court rules that burning the American flag is protected under the First Amendment - June 21st, 1989
On this day in 1989, in a narrow decision, the United States Supreme Court upheld the rights of protesters to burn the American flag. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British captives are imprisoned overnight in the "Black Hole of Calcutta" - June 20th, 1756
On this day in 1756, dozens of British prisoners were forced to spend the night in an airless cell known colloquially as the Black Hole of Calcutta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The College Board introduces its first standardized test - June 17th, 1901
On this day in 1901, the newly-formed College Board administered its first standardized admissions exams, the precursor to the SAT.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Victoria Hall Disaster - June 16th, 1883
On this day in 1883, at Victoria Hall in Sunderland, the rush to receive free toys left 183 children dead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Danish flag allegedly falls from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse - June 15th, 1219
On this day in 1219, according to Danish legend, the country’s familiar red and white flag fell from the sky as a sign of God’s favor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The words "under God" are added to the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance - June 14th, 1954
On this day in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words “under God” to the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thurgood Marshall is nominated as justice to the U.S. Supreme Court - June 13th, 1967
On this day in 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Judge Thurgood Marshall to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andrew Jackson's pet parrot is removed from his funeral for excessive swearing - June 10th, 1845
On this day in 1845, President Andrew Jackson’s funeral was rudely interrupted when his pet parrot began squawking profanities during the service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mormon handcart pioneers set out for Salt Lake City - June 9th, 1856
On this day in 1856, nearly 500 members of the Latter-Day Saints set out for Salt Lake City, carrying everything they owned in two-wheeled handcarts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.