Historical Events tagged with "potomac river"
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.
Air Florida Flight 90 Crash into Potomac River
Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737, crashed into the 14th Street Bridge after takeoff from Washington National Airport. The crisis unfolded as the aircraft struggled to gain altitude in icy conditions, leading to the tragic collision that ultimately impacted vehicles on the bridge before plunging into the Potomac River. Seventy-eight lives were lost, including four motorists, marking a devastating moment in aviation history.
Continue ReadingCrescent Limited Train Derails in D.C.
The Crescent Limited, a passenger train, derailed in Washington, D.C., due to a bridge collapse caused by the Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane. The storm had severely impacted the area, washing out the supporting structure of the bridge. The train, carrying numerous passengers, encountered the washed-out bridge, leading to a dramatic derailment that resulted in several injuries. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of transportation infrastructure during extreme weather events.
Continue ReadingLee's Army Invades Northern Territory
General Robert E. Lee commenced an offensive into Northern territory, crossing the Potomac River into Maryland. This marked a strategic shift in the Civil War as the Confederate Army aimed to gain ground and potentially rally support in the North. The movement set the stage for future engagements, including the pivotal Battle of Antietam, which would follow later in September.
Continue ReadingEstablishment of Washington, D.C. as Capital
The Residence Act was signed, establishing Washington, D.C. as the capital of the United States. This landmark decision came after considerable debate among legislators. The choice aimed to balance interests between northern and southern states, fostering unity in the fledgling nation. The site along the Potomac River was selected for its strategic location and the choice was championed by influential figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
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