Exploration
Yellowstone Becomes First National Park
On March 1, 1872, president Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation establishing Yellowstone National Park, the first such park in the world.
Pluto Discovered
On February 18, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto after nearly a year of searching.
New Mexico Admitted as 47th State
On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state admitted to the Union.
Mississippi Becomes 20th State
On December 10, 1817, Mississippi was admitted to the Union as the 20th state.
Balboa Discovers Pacific Ocean
On September 25, 1513, explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to lay eyes on the Pacific Ocean.
James Cook Establishes New South Wales
On August 21, 1770, James Cook landed on the eastern coast of Australia and named the land New South Wales.
Astronauts Take Lunar Rover for First Drive on the Moon
On July 31, 1971, U.S. Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin became the first humans to drive on the Moon.
Kentucky Becomes 15th State
On June 1, 1792, Kentucky was admitted as America’s 15th state.
Verrazzano Explores New York Harbor
On April 17, 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano became the first European to see New York harbor.