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.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Bay Bridge Opens, Connecting San Francisco and Oakland

November 12th, 1936 88 years ago

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge was officially opened to traffic, enhancing connectivity between the two cities. Spanning over 8,000 feet and featuring a remarkable double-deck structure, the bridge was a monumental engineering feat of its time. It facilitated the movement of vehicles and encouraged economic growth in the Bay Area. At the ceremony, a parade of cars crossed the bridge, marking a new era for transportation in California.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

Triborough Bridge Opens to New York Traffic

July 11th, 1936 88 years ago

The Triborough Bridge, connecting Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens, was opened to traffic, marking a significant transportation milestone in New York City. Designed by architect Robert Moses, it was a pivotal project in relieving congestion and improving travel between boroughs. The bridge, renowned for its iconic Art Deco design, symbolizes the era's ambition and engineering prowess. Its completion allowed for more efficient movement and catalyzed urban development in the surrounding areas, transforming regional traffic flow.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

UAW Gains Independence from AFL

April 27th, 1936 88 years ago

The United Auto Workers (UAW) achieved autonomy from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in a significant move for labor organization. This decision came at a time when the auto industry was rapidly expanding, and workers sought representation that addressed their specific needs. The UAW was founded to unify auto workers and advocate for better working conditions, wages, and benefits. This outcome represented a pivotal moment in labor history, showcasing the growing strength and influence of the UAW in the face of industrial challenges.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Devastating F5 Tornado Strikes Tupelo

April 5th, 1936 88 years ago

An F5 tornado struck Tupelo, Mississippi, causing immense destruction and loss of life. On April 5, 1936, the tornado had winds exceeding 300 miles per hour and carved a path through the city, demolishing homes and uprooting trees. This catastrophic event resulted in the deaths of 233 people and injured over 700 others. The community faced significant challenges in recovery due to the scale of the devastation and the ongoing Great Depression, which complicated relief efforts.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Rapid Ice Melt Causes Major Pittsburgh Flood

March 16th, 1936 89 years ago

Warm temperatures led to a significant melt of snow and ice along the upper Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, resulting in a major flood in Pittsburgh. The rapid rise in water levels overwhelmed the urban infrastructure, causing widespread damage and displacing many residents. As temperatures soared quickly, concerns grew among local authorities regarding flood control measures and their effectiveness. Emergency services were mobilized to assist in the evacuation and rescue operations in affected neighborhoods, marking a pivotal moment in flood response preparedness.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Inaugural Oval Stock Car Race at Daytona

March 8th, 1936 89 years ago

The Daytona Beach and Road Course hosted its first oval stock car race, marking a significant development in American auto racing. This inaugural event attracted numerous spectators eager to witness the thrilling competition. Various prominent drivers participated, testing their skills on the newly established oval layout that was well-suited for stock cars. The race was crucial for establishing Daytona Beach as a premier racing destination and showcased the growing popularity of stock car racing.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

First flight of the Douglas DC-3

December 17th, 1935 89 years ago

The Douglas DC-3, a revolutionary passenger aircraft, first took to the skies in December 1935. Designed by Douglas Aircraft Company, this aircraft transformed air travel with its advanced technology and larger passenger capacity. The prototype took off from Santa Monica, California, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. With a cruising speed of over 200 miles per hour and seating for up to 32 passengers, it set new standards for commercial aviation and was quickly adopted by airlines worldwide.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Walter Liggett Murdered in Chicago Gang Conflict

December 9th, 1935 89 years ago

Walter Liggett, a prominent newspaper editor and muckraker, was murdered in a gangland shooting in Chicago. Known for his investigative reporting on organized crime and corruption, Liggett faced numerous threats due to his vocal opposition to mob violence and political corruption. His death marked a significant moment in the tensions surrounding organized crime in the United States during the Great Depression, drawing attention to the dangers faced by journalists exposing powerful interests.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Mary McLeod Bethune Founds NCNW

December 5th, 1935 89 years ago

Mary McLeod Bethune established the National Council of Negro Women in New York City to unite various women's organizations across the United States. This coalition aimed to address issues affecting African American women and their communities, advocating for civil rights, education, and social welfare. The organization was created to harness the power of collective action among women and provide a platform for them to voice their concerns. Bethune's leadership inspired many in the community and set a precedent for future activism.

Continue Reading