Transportation
The Titanic Sinks
One of the most well known maritime disasters in history occurred on April 14, 1912, when the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank.
Construction Begins on Golden Gate Bridge
On January 5, 1933, the four-year construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began in San Francisco Bay. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and has been called a “Wonder of the World” structure.
Duryea Brothers Test-Drive America’s First Gas-Powered Car
On September 20, 1893, the Duryea brothers successfully tested America’s first gasoline-powered car in Massachusetts.
John Bull Takes Its First Ride
On September 15, 1831, the John Bull steam locomotive made its inaugural trip on New Jersey’s first railroad.
The Titanic is Found
More than 70 years after one of the world’s most famous ships tragically sank, it was discovered largely intact on the ocean floor on September 1, 1985.
Marsh’s “Railway to the Moon”
On August 29, 1869, Sylvester Marsh demonstrated the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, earning the recognition and funds needed to complete it.
First Public Presidential Car Ride
Touring New England on August 22, 1902, Theodore Roosevelt became the first sitting President to publicly ride in an automobile.
“Fulton’s Folly” Makes First Commercially Successful Steamboat Voyage
At the behest of his critics, Robert Fulton launched his steamboat from New York harbor on August 17, 1807.
Opening of the Panama Canal
After a decade of construction, the Panama Canal opened to traffic on August 15, 1914.