This Day in History Class
1,999 episodes — Page 15 of 40
The first Groundhog Day is observed in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania - February 2nd, 1887
On this day in 1887, Groundhog Day was celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Texas delegates vote to secede from the Union - February 1st, 1861
On this day in 1861, delegates of the people of Texas voted to adopt an ordinance of secession, making Texas the seventh state to secede from the Union. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A chimpanzee named Ham returns safely from space - January 31st, 1961
On this day in 1961, a specially trained chimpanzee named Ham became the first primate to travel into space. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The Lone Ranger" radio show premieres - January 30th, 1933
On this day in 1933, radio western “The Lone Ranger” was broadcast for the first time from the WXYZ radio station in Detroit, Michigan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Britain's King George III dies at Windsor Castle - January 29th, 1820
On this day in 1820, following a decades-long struggle with mental illness, King George III died at Windsor Castle after a reign of almost 60 years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The LEGO company patents the design of its signature bricks - January 28th, 1958
On this day in 1958, at precisely 1:58 pm, the LEGO Group filed the patent application for a new kind of building system that would forever change the way that children played. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The corpse of Vladimir Lenin is put on display in Moscow's Red Square - January 27th, 1924
On this day in 1924, the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilych Lenin, communist revolutionary and founder of the Soviet Union, was put on public display in Red Square in the center of Moscow. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world's largest diamond is discovered in Pretoria, South Africa - January 26th, 1905
On this day in 1905, a 3,106-carat diamond was discovered at the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert Williams becomes the first human to be killed by a robot - January 25th, 1979
On this day in 1979, Robert Williams, an assembly line worker at a Ford casting plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, was killed on the job by a robotic arm. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Japanese soldier is found hiding in a jungle cave on the island of Guam - January 24th, 1972
On this day in 1972, a former soldier in the Japanese Imperial Army was discovered hiding in the jungles of Guam, unaware that World War II had ended nearly three decades earlier. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Toy company Wham-O produces the first Frisbees - January 23rd, 1957
On this day in 1957, the Wham-O toy company produced its first batch of plastic, flying discs — now known to fans of all ages as Frisbees. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian obelisk is erected in Central Park, New York - January 22nd, 1881
On this day in 1881, an ancient Egyptian obelisk, also known as Cleopatra’s Needle, was installed in Central Park, just behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An oil well is drilled by torpedoes for the first time - January 21st, 1865
On this day in 1865, a Union Army Colonel turned oil tycoon used a makeshift torpedo to increase the flow of fossil fuels from a well. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marvin Gaye's hit song "What's Going On" is released - January 20th, 1971
On this day in 1971, Motown legend Marvin Gaye released the powerful hit single “What’s Going On.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A famous horned lizard dies after living 31 years entombed in the cornerstone of a Texas courthouse - January 19th, 1929
On this day in 1929, a horned lizard named Old Rip died of pneumonia after allegedly surviving 31 years sealed in the cornerstone of the Eastland, Texas courthouse. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. government bans the sale of sliced bread - January 18th, 1943
On this day in 1943, Claude R. Wickard, the Secretary of Agriculture and head of the War Food Administration, banned the sale of pre-sliced bread in America during World War II Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Great Brink's Robbery - January 17th, 1950
On this day in 1950, a group of armed robbers stole more than $2 million from the Brink’s Armored Car depot in Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Part One of Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote novel is published in Spain - January 16th, 1605
On this day in 1605, the first half of Miguel de Cervantes' landmark novel Don Quixote was published in Spain. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A cartoon in Harper's Weekly uses the donkey to symbolize the Democratic Party for the first time - January 15th, 1870
On this day in 1870, political cartoonist Thomas Nast first used the donkey as a symbol for the Democratic Party in a cartoon titled “A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The clarinet is invented in Nuremberg, Germany - January 14th, 1690
On this day in 1690, German instrument maker Johann Christoph Denner created the world’s first clarinet. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Black Friday bushfires claim 71 lives in Australia - January 13th, 1939
On this day in 1939, a series of fires converged and swept rapidly across large areas of Victoria, Australia, leaving a widespread trail of death and destruction. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A long-distance radio message is sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time - January 12th, 1908
On this day in 1908, French radio pioneer Gustave Ferrié transmitted the first long-distance message ever sent from the Eiffel Tower. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
England holds its first national lottery - January 11th, 1569
On this day in 1569, in a public square outside Old St Paul’s Cathedral in London, the drawing began for the first state-run lottery in English history. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clara Peller first asks 'Where's the Beef?' in an ad campaign for Wendy's hamburgers - January 10th, 1984
On this day in 1984, fast food restaurant chain Wendy’s released its first commercial featuring the famous “Where’s the beef?” catchphrase. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Columbus mistakes three manatees for mermaids - January 9th, 1493
On this day in 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus recorded a sighting of three “mermaids” while sailing near what is now the Dominican Republic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
African American men secure the right to vote in Washington, D.C. - January 8th, 1867
On this day in 1867, the U.S. Congress passed the District of Columbia Suffrage Bill, granting African American men the right to vote for the first time in the nation’s history. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Galileo discovers the moons of Jupiter - January 7th, 1610
On this day in 1610, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei made the first recorded sighting of the planet Jupiter’s moons. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maria Montessori opens her first school in Rome - January 6th, 1907
On this day in 1907, Dr. Maria Montessori opened a new kind of school in an impoverished neighborhood in Rome. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Rapper's Delight" becomes the first hip-hop song to reach the Billboard Top 40 - January 5th, 1980
On this day in 1980, “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang became the first hip hop song ever to break into the Billboard Top 40. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two trains collide in the worst rail disaster in Pakistan’s history - January 4th, 1990
On this day in 1990, an overcrowded passenger train slammed into a parked freight train at a railway station in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nazi propagandist “Lord Haw-Haw” is executed for treason - January 3rd, 1946
On this day in 1946, William Joyce, better known to the British as Lord Haw-Haw, was put to death for betraying his country on behalf of Nazi Germany. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Nixon sets a national speed limit of 55 MPH - January 2nd, 1974
On this day in 1974, President Richard Nixon established a maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour on every highway in the United States. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Johnny Cash plays a concert at San Quentin State Prison - January 1st, 1959
On this day in 1959, musician Johnny Cash rang in the new year by performing live at San Quentin State Prison in California. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Victorian dinner party is held inside a life-size model of an Iguanodon - December 31st, 1853
On this day in 1853, natural history artist and sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins hosted a New Year’s Eve dinner party inside a full-scale model of an Iguanodon. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British miners are ordered to replace canaries with electronic carbon monoxide sensors - December 30th, 1986
On this day in 1986, a British mining tradition came to an end when legislation officially ordered that all live canaries be released from the nation’s coal mines. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first YMCA in the United States opens its doors in Boston - December 29th, 1851
On this day in 1851, retired sea captain Thomas Sullivan helped establish the first YMCA in the United States in Boston. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scottish outlaw Rob Roy dies - December 28th, 1734
On this day in 1734, Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish bandit turned folk hero, died at his home in the village of Balquidder. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first fire department in the Hawaiian Islands is established - December 27th, 1850
On this day in 1850, King Kamehameha III established and joined the Honolulu Fire Department, the first in the Hawaiian Islands and the only one in the world to include monarchs as active members. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mobster Bugsy Siegel opens the Flamingo Hotel - December 26th, 1946
On this day in 1946, notorious gangster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel opened the glamorous Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rod Serling is born - December 25th, 1924
On this day in 1924, screenwriter and television producer Rod Serling was born in Syracuse, New York. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Coolidge lights the first national Christmas tree - December 24th, 1923
On this day in 1923, President Calvin Coolidge pushed a button to light the first National Christmas Tree of the United States. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vincent van Gogh cuts off part of his ear - December 23rd, 1888
On this day in 1888, Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh mutilated his own left ear with a razor blade while living in Arles, France. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Baby Colo becomes the first gorilla born in captivity - December 22nd, 1956
On this day in 1956, for the first time ever, a live gorilla was born in captivity. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disney's The Three Caballeros premieres in Mexico City - December 21st, 1944
On this day in 1944, Walt Disney’s seventh animated feature, The Three Caballeros, had its world premiere in Mexico City. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queen Elizabeth II urges the Prince and Princess of Wales to seek an early divorce - December 20th, 1995
On this day in 1995, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II sent a letter to her son Prince Charles and his wife Princess Diana, urging the couple to get a divorce. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Hockey League starts its first season - December 19th, 1917
On this day in 1917, the first four teams of the newly-formed National Hockey League took to the ice for the first time. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! premieres on CBS - December 18th, 1966
On this day in 1966, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! aired for the very first time on CBS. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first issue of Vogue magazine is published - December 17th, 1892
On this day in 1892, Vogue magazine, a journal of high society and fashion, released its inaugural issue. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Haiyuan earthquake devastates the Gansu province in China - December 16th, 1920
On this day in 1920, at 7:06pm, a massive earthquake wreaked havoc on the isolated Gansu province in north-central China. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bandleader Glenn Miller vanishes over the English Channel - December 15th, 1944
On this day in 1944, American bandleader Glenn Miller went missing while flying over the English Channel aboard a military aircraft bound for France. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.