Technology

On January 21, 1954, the USS Nautilus, the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, was launched. It would quickly break all speed and distance records and mark the start of a new age of underwater travel.

On January 7, 1927, men in New York and London staged the first official telephone call across the Atlantic Ocean. Using radio waves, it made instant communication across the ocean a reality, paving the way for our modern communication systems.

Eli Whitney was born on December 8, 1765, in Westborough, Province of Massachusetts Bay. Most well-known for his invention of the cotton gin, he was also pioneer in mass production.

On October 22, 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge opened to motorists in West Virginia. The longest single-span arch bridge and highest roadway bridge in the world at the time of its completion, it cut a treacherous 45 minute drive down to just one minute.

Adding to his long list of inventions, Thomas Edison tested his first motion picture film on October 6, 1889.

On September 8, 1966, the first episode of Star Trek premiered on television.  While the original series only lasted three seasons, it developed a cult following, leading to movies, several new series, comics, games, and more.

On September 6, 1916, the first self-service grocery store as we know it today opened in Memphis, Tennessee.  The store was Piggly Wiggly, and it revolutionized the way people bought groceries.

On August 5, 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation creating the National Cancer Institute.  The institute researches cures and treatments for cancer and is the oldest and largest institute of the National Institutes of Health.

On August 2, 1873, Clay Street Hill Railroad inaugurated San Francisco’s now-famous cable car system.