Historical Events tagged with "washington"

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.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Riots Erupt After Police Shooting in Mt. Pleasant

May 5th, 1991 33 years ago

A shootout involving police led to widespread unrest in the Mt. Pleasant area of Washington, D.C. Following the shooting of a Salvadoran man, the community reacted with outrage, resulting in a riot that included looting and clashes with law enforcement. The incident highlighted tensions involving local police and members of the Latino community, prompting discussions about police practices and community safety.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

President Bush Announces Liberation of Kuwait

February 27th, 1991 34 years ago

U.S. President George H. W. Bush declared Kuwait liberated after coalition forces' decisive military victories against Iraqi troops. This announcement marked the end of Operation Desert Storm, a rapid combat operation that began just weeks prior. It signified the restoration of Kuwait's sovereignty following its invasion by Iraq, which had taken place in August. Bush's address was delivered from the White House and highlighted the commitment of the United States and its allies to uphold international law and support for oppressed nations.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

U.S. Congress Authorizes Military Action Against Iraq

January 12th, 1991 34 years ago

The U.S. Congress voted to authorize the use of military force against Iraq to liberate Kuwait, following Iraq's invasion. This decision took place amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region, as President George H.W. Bush sought support for the coalition forces. The vote was characterized by the urgency of restoring Kuwait's sovereignty after its annexation by Iraq, initiating a global response aimed at addressing the aggression.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Sharon Pratt Dixon becomes D.C. Mayor

January 2nd, 1991 34 years ago

Sharon Pratt Dixon made history by being inaugurated as the first African American woman mayor of a major U.S. city, taking office in Washington D.C. Her election to the mayorship was a significant milestone in the representation of women and minorities in politics, highlighting the changing landscape of leadership in urban America. Dixon's administration focused on urban renewal, crime reduction, and economic development, reflecting the needs of the diverse D.C. population during her term.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Completion of Washington National Cathedral

September 29th, 1990 34 years ago

The construction of the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, widely known as the Washington National Cathedral, was completed in Washington, D.C. This architectural marvel, rooted in the Anglican tradition, took 83 years to construct, symbolizing a significant milestone in American sacred architecture. Located on the highest point in Washington, it serves as a spiritual home for the nation and a venue for many national events. The completion was celebrated with a grand dedication ceremony attended by dignitaries and representatives from various faiths, reflecting the cathedral's role as a place of worship and national identity.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

Jim Gary's Dinosaurs Exhibition Unveiled

April 12th, 1990 34 years ago

Jim Gary's "Twentieth Century Dinosaurs" exhibition was opened at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Unique in its approach, this exhibition showcased large-scale dinosaur sculptures crafted from recycled materials. Known for their intricate designs, these sculptures offered viewers a blend of art and paleontology, transforming how dinosaurs could be perceived in contemporary culture. As the only sculptor invited for a solo exhibition at the museum, Gary's work attracted significant attention and became a notable feature of the museum's offerings.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

United Express Flight 2415 crashes on approach

December 26th, 1989 35 years ago

United Express Flight 2415 crashed while approaching the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, Washington, killing all six people on board. The aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900, encountered poor visibility conditions during its descent in foggy weather. Efforts to locate the wreckage were complicated by the terrain, and the investigation later revealed issues with the flight crew's approach procedures.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Oliver North Convicted in Iran–Contra Affair

May 4th, 1989 35 years ago

Oliver North, a former aide in the Reagan administration, was convicted of three crimes in connection with the Iran–Contra affair but acquitted of nine other charges. This political scandal involved the secret sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, bypassing Congress. North's trial highlighted issues of executive power and accountability, drawing considerable public and media attention throughout the legal proceedings.

Continue Reading