Technology

On February 15, 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was unveiled to the public. It’s considered the first general-purpose electronic digital computer.

On January 28, 1887, it was claimed that a snowflake 15 inches across and eight inches thick fell on Fort Keough, Montana. While this claim hasn’t been verified, unusually large snowflakes are possible…

On January 27, 1938, the Honeymoon Bridge at Niagara Falls collapsed from the force of ice on the river pressing against its supports.  It had been the largest steel arch bridge in the world.

On January 25, 1915, the first official transcontinental telephone call from New York to San Francisco was made.  It was a revolutionary moment in communication, instantly linking callers on either side of the country. 

On November 27, 1932, the Bixby Creek Bridge opened on the Big Sur coast of California. It was the longest concrete arch span in California and the highest single-span arch bridge in the world at the time of its completion.

On October 24, 1931, the George Washington Bridge was dedicated, officially opening to traffic the next day.  One of the world’s busiest bridges, the George Washington Bridge is also the world’s only 14-lane suspension bridge. 

On October 1, 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to drivers. Measuring 160-miles at the time of its opening, it’s considered the first superhighway in the US and helped inspire other state turnpikes and America’s Interstate Highway System.

On September 30, 1889, the first building of the Mayo Clinic opened to the public.  Today its one of the world’s largest medical centers and the top-ranked hospital in the US.

On September 29, 1841, New York held the first state fair in the US. Today it’s the oldest and one of the most highly attended of all US state fairs.