Transportation
Alaska’s Final Dog Sled Mail Route
On January 8, 1963, Chester Noongwook made his final trip delivering mail in Alaska via dog sled.
Birth of the Space Shuttle Program
On January 5, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed legislation authorizing the creation of America’s first space shuttle, the “world’s first reusable spacecraft.”
The Knox Expedition
On December 5, 1775, Continental Army Colonel Henry Knox reached Fort Ticonderoga in preparation for his “noble train of artillery.”
First Streetcar in America
On November 14, 1832, the John Mason inaugurated the first streetcar service in America.
First Modern Auto Show
On November 3, 1900, the first modern auto show opened in New York City.
First Supersonic Flight
On October 14, 1947, Chuck Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier.
First National Fire Prevention Day Proclamation
On October 9, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson declared issued the first presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Day. Fire Prevention Day is held in October to commemorate and remind us of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
First Public Steam Engine Railroad
On September 27, 1825, the Stockton-Darlington Railway inaugurated its first steam engine-powered trip, carrying passengers and coal.
Tom Thumb Proves the Power of Steam
On August 28, 1830, the Tom Thumb steam locomotive impressed railroad officials during an impromptu race.