Historical Events tagged with "kansas city"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Walkway Collapse at Hyatt Regency Hotel
A structural failure resulted in the collapse of a suspended walkway at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, killing 114 people and injuring more than 200. The tragedy occurred during a dance event when the second and fourth floor walkways, which had been poorly designed, fell onto the first floor. This incident highlighted the importance of structural safety and design integrity in public buildings.
Continue ReadingJackie Robinson Signs Contract with Dodgers
Jackie Robinson, a player for the Kansas City Monarchs, signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, making him the first African American to play in Major League Baseball since the 1880s. This groundbreaking decision was made by Dodgers' president Branch Rickey, aimed at integrating baseball and challenging racial segregation in the sport. Robinson's talent and composure under racial pressure were crucial for this milestone.
Continue ReadingGangster Attack at Union Station in Missouri
Gangsters attempted to free fugitive Frank Nash from custody at Union Station, resulting in a deadly shootout that claimed the lives of four FBI agents. The incident unfolded in a public space, shocking the nation as it highlighted the ongoing battle against organized crime. The gunfight left a deep mark in the annals of law enforcement history.
Continue ReadingAlmon Strowger Patents the Strowger Switch
Almon Strowger patented the Strowger switch, a groundbreaking device that automated telephone circuit switching. This innovation addressed the inefficiencies of manual switchboards, transforming how telephone calls were connected. Strowger, an undertaker, developed the idea after experiencing frustration with misdirected calls leading to missed business opportunities. The patent marked a significant shift in telecommunications, paving the way for automated systems that enhanced communication.
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