Historical Events tagged with "wisconsin"

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.

Sports & Recreation

Rollie Fingers Achieves 300 Saves Milestone

April 21st, 1982 42 years ago

Rollie Fingers, the renowned closer for the Milwaukee Brewers, made baseball history by becoming the first pitcher to achieve 300 career saves. This milestone was reached during a game against the Texas Rangers, showcasing Fingers' exceptional skill and durability as a relief pitcher. Celebrated for his unique handlebar mustache and distinctive windup, Fingers' achievement not only highlighted his personal prowess but also the evolving role of relief pitchers in the game of baseball. Fingers' accomplishment was a pivotal moment in showcasing the importance of closers in securing wins for their teams.

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Accidents & Tragedies

SS Edmund Fitzgerald Sinks in Lake Superior

November 10th, 1975 49 years ago

The freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a violent storm on Lake Superior, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members aboard. The vessel, which was the largest on the Great Lakes, encountered treacherous weather conditions with waves reaching up to 25 feet. The ship, built in 1958, was on its final voyage carrying iron ore from Superior, Wisconsin, to Detroit, Michigan, when it met its tragic fate.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of CV-580 and DHC-6 Over Lake Winnebago

June 29th, 1972 52 years ago

A Convair CV-580 and a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter collided in mid-air over Lake Winnebago near Appleton, Wisconsin, resulting in the tragic death of 13 individuals. The accident happened due to a combination of poor visibility and aircraft malfunction, leading to a significant disaster in regional aviation history. Emergency services responded promptly, although all onboard were unfortunately lost, marking a somber moment for the local community and the aviation industry.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sterling Hall Bombing by Vietnam War Protesters

August 24th, 1970 54 years ago

On August 24, 1970, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists bombed Sterling Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The attack was a protest against the University’s involvement in military research and resulted in significant damage to the hall. The bombing was carried out by individuals identifying as part of the radical Left and was primarily motivated by opposition to the Vietnam War and the military-industrial complex. Although intended as a form of political expression, the bombing tragically resulted in one death and several injuries.

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Natural Disasters

Massive Tornado Outbreak Across the Midwest

April 11th, 1965 59 years ago

On April 11, 1965, a severe weather system unleashed a catastrophic tornado outbreak across six Midwestern states in the United States, resulting in a staggering 55 confirmed tornadoes. The tornadoes struck during the afternoon and evening, causing widespread devastation in states including Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. The strongest tornadoes reached F5 intensity, with peak winds over 260 mph, devastating neighborhoods and towns. Over 266 people lost their lives, and many others were injured as homes were obliterated and entire communities were left in ruins.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

End of the Chicago North Shore Line Service

January 21st, 1963 62 years ago

The Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad ceased operations, marking the end of an era for interurban rail travel in the Midwest. This railroad, which connected Chicago to Milwaukee, had been in service for over 40 years and was known for its speed and efficiency. It provided an essential transport link for commuters and travelers in the region. The decision to terminate service was influenced by declining ridership and rising operational costs in an increasingly automobile-oriented society.

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Politics & Government

Senate Censures Joseph McCarthy

December 2nd, 1954 70 years ago

On December 2, 1954, the United States Senate voted 65 to 22 to censure Senator Joseph McCarthy for conduct deemed to bring disrepute to the Senate. The proceedings were a culmination of years of McCarthy's controversial anti-communist investigations and tactics, which led to significant public and political backlash. This censure was a rare disciplinary action taken against a senator, marking a significant moment in the broader context of the Cold War and the McCarthy era.

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Economics & Industry

Milwaukee Brewery Workers Walkout Begins

May 14th, 1953 71 years ago

Approximately 7,100 brewery workers in Milwaukee staged a walkout, initiating the 1953 Milwaukee brewery strike. The workers sought better wages, improved working conditions, and respect from management. This sudden action disrupted beer production in the region, highlighting the brewing industry's labor tensions. The strike involved multiple brewing companies and garnered significant media coverage.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Northwest Airlines Flight 421 Fatal Crash

August 29th, 1948 76 years ago

Northwest Airlines Flight 421 crashed in Fountain City, Wisconsin, resulting in the loss of all 37 individuals on board. The aircraft, a Martin 4-0-4, was en route from Chicago to Minneapolis when it encountered a thunderstorm, losing altitude rapidly before impacting the Green River Valley. Investigators noted that severe weather conditions contributed to the tragedy, leading to discussions on air safety regulations.

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