Historical Events tagged with "portland"

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.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Emergency Landing of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

January 5th, 2024 1 years ago

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, a Boeing 737 MAX 9, made an emergency landing at Portland International Airport following the loss of a door plug during flight. Fortunately, there were no fatalities among the 174 passengers and crew onboard. The incident prompted immediate scrutiny around the safety of the Boeing 737 MAX fleet, leading to regulatory action and renewed concerns over the manufacturer's adherence to safety protocols in aircraft design and production.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Confusion Leads to Julie N. Oil Spill Incident

September 27th, 1996 28 years ago

On September 27, 1996, a tanker named Julie N. experienced significant operational confusion while docking at Portland, Maine. This led to the accidental discharge of approximately 30,000 gallons of fuel oil into the harbor. The incident was attributed to a lack of communication among the crew members regarding the ship's maneuvering. Local authorities responded quickly to contain the spill, while environmental agencies began assessing the damage caused to the marine ecosystem in the area.

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Natural Disasters

Severe Flooding in Willamette Valley, Oregon

February 6th, 1996 29 years ago

In early February, the Willamette Valley experienced unprecedented flooding that caused over $500 million in property damage across the Pacific Northwest. Heavy rainfall combined with melting snow from the Cascade Range led to swollen rivers and widespread inundation. The city of Portland and surrounding areas were particularly hard-hit, with many communities facing evacuations and significant infrastructural disruption. Emergency services were deployed to manage aid and recovery efforts, addressing both the immediate needs of residents and longer-term impacts on the region's economy.

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Technology & Innovation

Launch of WikiWikiWeb by Ward Cunningham

March 25th, 1995 29 years ago

Ward Cunningham made the WikiWikiWeb, the first wiki, public, enabling collaborative web editing. This innovation allowed users to easily create and edit web pages collectively, fostering a new way of sharing information online. The project was part of the Portland Pattern Repository, designed to showcase patterns in software design. The Wiki established the foundation for future wikis and online collaborative platforms.

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Accidents & Tragedies

United Airlines Flight 173 crashes in residential area

December 28th, 1978 46 years ago

United Airlines Flight 173, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, crashed into a residential neighborhood near Portland International Airport while attempting to land. A total of ten people died, including eight passengers and two crew members. The aircraft experienced a malfunction in its landing gear, leading to a prolonged flight to troubleshoot the issue. After running low on fuel, the crew attempted an emergency landing but lost control of the aircraft. The tragedy served to highlight the critical importance of cockpit resource management and communication.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Tear Gas Used on Striking Longshoremen in Seattle

July 20th, 1934 90 years ago

In Seattle, approximately 2,000 longshoremen participated in a waterfront strike demanding better working conditions. Law enforcement responded to the escalating tensions by deploying tear gas and using clubs against the striking workers. Simultaneously, the governor of Oregon ordered the National Guard to intervene at the Portland docks to restore order amid the ongoing labor conflict.

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Technology & Innovation

Completion of America's First Electric Power Line

June 3rd, 1889 135 years ago

The first long-distance electric power transmission line in the United States was completed, spanning 14 miles from Willamette Falls hydropower generator to downtown Portland, Oregon. This innovative project showcased the potential of harnessing hydropower for urban electrification, significantly contributing to the rise of electricity as a pivotal resource in American industry and daily life. Engineers worked diligently to connect the generator to the city, marking a major advancement in electrical engineering and infrastructure.

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