This Day in History

Plane Crashes into Empire State Building

On this day in 1945, a B-25 bomber accidentally crashed into the Empire State Building amid thick fog, resulting in 14 deaths and significant damage to the building. The crash on the 79th floor also highlighted the vulnerabilities of skyscrapers to aerial accidents and led to changes in flight regulations over major cities. Despite the […]

14th Amendment Adopted

On July 28, 1868, the 14th Amendment was formally adopted into the U.S. Constitution, ensuring citizenship rights and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. This amendment has played a crucial role in civil rights history, impacting legislation and Supreme Court decisions on matters […]

Bombing at Centennial Olympic Park

During the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, a devastating act of domestic terrorism occurred at Centennial Olympic Park on July 27, 1996. The bombing resulted in two deaths and injured over a hundred others, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a global celebration of sporting achievement. The event had significant implications for future […]

House Begins Impeachment of Nixon

The U.S. House of Representatives initiated formal impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon on July 27, 1974, amid the escalating Watergate scandal. These proceedings were a critical moment in American political history, highlighting the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. political system. The process underscored the principle that no one, not even the President, […]

First Commercial Jet Makes Test Flight

On July 27, 1949, the de Havilland Comet, the world’s first commercial jet airliner, made its maiden test flight, heralding a new era in aviation. Designed and built by the British, the Comet revolutionized air travel by significantly reducing flight times and changing the nature of commercial aviation. Its introduction marked the beginning of jet […]

Mick Jagger is Born

Mick Jagger, iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, was born on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. Jagger’s charismatic stage presence and distinctive voice have made him one of the most popular and influential figures in the history of rock and roll. The Rolling Stones, known for their unique sound that blends rock, blues, […]

FBI Founded

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was founded on July 26, 1908, originally established as the Bureau of Investigation (BOI) within the Department of Justice. Its formation was intended to handle investigations for the Department, particularly those requiring a meticulous approach to law enforcement which state or local authorities could not manage. Over the decades, […]

U.S. Postal System Established

On July 26, 1775, the United States established its postal system with the appointment of Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. This act by the Second Continental Congress was a crucial step in unifying the colonies and ensuring secure communication channels during a pivotal time in American history. The postal service played a vital […]

World’s First “Test Tube” Baby Born

On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown, the world’s first baby conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF), was born in Oldham, England. Her birth marked a monumental breakthrough in fertility treatments, offering hope to countless couples unable to conceive naturally. The success of this medical innovation had profound implications on reproductive technologies and ethics, sparking debates […]

The Nixon Doctrine is Announced

President Richard Nixon announced the Nixon Doctrine on July 25, 1969, during a press conference in Guam. This policy stated that the United States would honor its existing defense commitments but that in the future, countries would have to fight their own wars without the support of American troops. The doctrine was intended to reshape […]