Historical Events tagged with "record"

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

Malcolm Campbell Breaks 300 mph Barrier

September 3rd, 1935 89 years ago

Sir Malcolm Campbell set a new land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah by reaching an astonishing speed of 304.331 miles per hour. Driving his custom-built vehicle, the Blue Bird, Campbell succeeded in breaking the 300 mph threshold, a remarkable achievement that showcased both his driving skills and the capabilities of engineering in the 1930s. The event marked a significant milestone in the quest for land speed records and attracted considerable media attention, highlighting the adventurous spirit of the age.

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Science & Technology

Record Wind Gust Measured on Mount Washington

April 12th, 1934 90 years ago

On the summit of Mount Washington, New Hampshire, a record-setting wind gust of 231 mph was measured, marking it as the strongest surface wind gust on Earth at the time. This astonishing feat occurred due to the mountain's unique weather patterns and geographical features. Meteorologists took the measurement using an anemometer, capturing a moment that would enter the meteorological archives as a benchmark for extreme weather in mountainous regions. Such conditions are attributed to the mountain’s elevation and its position in the rapidly changing weather systems of the northeast United States.

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Natural Disasters

Record Heatwave Begins in Marble Bar

October 31st, 1923 101 years ago

Marble Bar, Western Australia, experienced an extreme weather event, beginning a remarkable stretch of 160 consecutive days where temperatures soared to at least 100° Fahrenheit. This intense heatwave started on the last day of October and astonished locals and meteorologists alike. Marble Bar, already noted for its arid climate, became a focal point for discussions around climate extremes. This record-setting streak was a testament to the area's harsh environmental conditions, elevating its status in weather records.

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Sports & Recreation

Johnny Weissmuller Breaks 100m Freestyle Record

July 9th, 1922 102 years ago

Johnny Weissmuller set a world record in the 100 meters freestyle, completing the swim in an astonishing time of 58.6 seconds. The event took place at the 1922 National Championships in New York City. Weissmuller, a remarkable swimmer known for his speed and athleticism, became the first person to swim under the one-minute mark for this distance, breaking the long-held barrier that many had deemed insurmountable. His record-setting performance drew significant attention to the sport, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential for new athletic achievements.

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Sports & Recreation

Georgia Tech's Historic 222-0 Football Victory

October 7th, 1916 108 years ago

In an unprecedented display of dominance, Georgia Tech's football team achieved a staggering 222–0 victory over Cumberland University in one of the largest win margins in American sports history. This game took place at Ponce de Leon Park in Atlanta, Georgia, where the Yellow Jackets showcased their offensive prowess and strategic skill. The game is notable for the sheer number of points scored, largely due to a combination of Georgia Tech’s aerial attacks and Cumberland’s lack of preparation after a long hiatus from competitive play. The result has since been recognized as a remarkable yet bizarre chapter in college football lore.

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Natural Disasters

Unprecedented Barometric Pressure in the U.S.

January 3rd, 1913 112 years ago

A powerful Atlantic coast storm set a record for the lowest confirmed barometric pressure reading of 955.0 mb (28.20 inHg) in the continental United States for a non-tropical system. This extreme weather event impacted multiple states along the Eastern Seaboard, with significant wind and precipitation, resulting in widespread disruption. Meteorologists noted the storm's intensity and the unusual drop in pressure as it moved northward, raising awareness of severe weather patterns.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Record Day at Ellis Island Immigration Center

April 17th, 1907 117 years ago

The Ellis Island Immigration Center processed 11,747 individuals in one day, setting a record for the highest number of entrants. Located in New York Harbor, Ellis Island served as the main entry point for millions of immigrants arriving in the United States. This surge in processing showcased the increasing influx of people seeking new opportunities in America. Many came from European countries, fleeing economic hardship and political unrest, eager to start anew.

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Sports & Recreation

Peter O'Connor Achieves Long Jump World Record

August 5th, 1901 123 years ago

Peter O'Connor set a remarkable long jump world record of 24 ft 11.75 in (7.6137 m) in 1901. This impressive feat took place during a competition in Dublin, Ireland, showcasing O'Connor’s extraordinary athletic ability. The record stood unbeaten for two decades, highlighting his dominance in the sport at the time. O'Connor's achievement became an inspiration for future generations of athletes, especially in the field of athletics, cementing his legacy in the history of track and field events.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Deutschland Sets New Eastward Passage Record

August 13th, 1900 124 years ago

The steamer Deutschland of Hamburg America Lines made headlines when it docked in Plymouth, England after an extraordinary eastward voyage from New York. Completing the journey in just five days, 11 hours, and 45 minutes, the vessel set a new record for crossing the Atlantic, beating its own previous mark by over three hours. This achievement highlighted the advancements in maritime technology and boosted the reputation of the Hamburg America Lines as a leader in transatlantic travel.

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