Historical Events tagged with "usa"

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.

Natural Disasters

F5 Tornado Strikes Plainfield and Joliet

August 28th, 1990 34 years ago

An F5 tornado descended upon the Illinois locales of Plainfield and Joliet, unleashing devastation and taking the lives of 29 individuals. Originating in the early evening, the tornado traveled a significant path, destroying homes and infrastructure in its wake. With winds estimated at over 261 mph, it left a lasting mark on the community, leading to extensive damage assessments and developments in tornado safety protocols.

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Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of Sue, the T. rex Skeleton

August 12th, 1990 34 years ago

In South Dakota, paleontologist Sue Hendrickson discovered a remarkably preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, now named 'Sue'. The skeleton, measuring more than 40 feet long and over 13 feet tall at the hips, is hailed as the largest and most complete T. rex ever found. Sue's find revolutionized the understanding of the species' biology and behavior, providing invaluable insights into the life of one of the most iconic dinosaurs.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26th, 1990 34 years ago

President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a groundbreaking civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The signing ceremony took place on the South Lawn of the White House, attended by disability advocates and members of Congress. The legislation aimed to ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA marked a significant shift in the way society views disability and accessibility.

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Space Exploration

Discovery of Asteroid Eureka

June 20th, 1990 34 years ago

Asteroid Eureka was discovered in 1990 by astronomers. The finding was made by the Mt. Palomar Observatory in California, USA, adding to the growing catalog of known asteroids in the solar system. Eureka, also designated as 1989 GY, was observed using advanced telescopic technology for the time. The discovery contributed to the understanding of asteroidal shapes and orbits. This new addition highlighted the relevance of ongoing celestial studies.

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Crime & Law

Massive Art Heist From Boston Museum

March 18th, 1990 35 years ago

In 1990, two men dressed as police officers entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and stole 12 artworks valued at approximately $500 million. The heist occurred in the early morning hours and remains unsolved, with the stolen pieces including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Degas. The museum's founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner, had stipulated that the collection be displayed as intended, making the loss particularly poignant for the institution.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Atlantis Launches on STS-36

February 28th, 1990 35 years ago

Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on STS-36 from Kennedy Space Center. The mission, primarily focused on deploying a classified payload for the United States Department of Defense, took off at 10:22 a.m. EST. This launch marked the tenth flight of the Atlantis orbiter. It successfully completed its mission and landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on March 4, 1990, after a six-day journey.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Avianca Flight 052 crash in New York

January 25th, 1990 35 years ago

Avianca Flight 052, a Boeing 707, crashed in Cove Neck, New York, while attempting to land at JFK Airport. The flight was carrying 158 passengers and crew from Colombia when it ran out of fuel due to a series of miscommunications and weather conditions. The aircraft crashed into a residential area, resulting in 73 fatalities and 85 survivors. This incident marked one of the deadliest aviation events in the area.

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Entertainment

The Simpsons Debuts with Holiday Special

December 17th, 1989 35 years ago

The animated sitcom 'The Simpsons' premiered with the episode 'Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire', introducing audiences to the satirical family of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The episode aired on the Fox network and featured Homer working as a mall Santa in a heartwarming yet humorous Christmas tale. This debut marked a significant moment in television history, presenting a new style of adult-oriented animated comedy.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fatal Crash of Aloha Island Air Flight 1712

October 28th, 1989 35 years ago

Aloha Island Air Flight 1712 was a commuter flight operated by a Twin Otter 300 that crashed into terrain at night in Hawaii, resulting in the deaths of all 20 occupants on board. The aircraft was on a flight from Hilo to Kalaupapa when it encountered adverse weather conditions. In a tragic sequence of events, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and impacted the terrain near the town of Kalaupapa, Molokai, shortly after takeoff. This instance marked one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Hawaii's history, highlighting the dangers of nighttime flying and inclement weather in the region.

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