Benjamin Franklin’s Kite Experiment
Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment on June 10, 1752, during a thunderstorm, proving that lightning is a form of electricity. By flying a kite with a metal key attached to the string, he demonstrated electrical conduction, which led to the invention of the lightning rod, significantly advancing our understanding of electricity and enhancing […]
First Salem Witch Hanging
On June 10, 1692, Bridget Bishop, the first person convicted in the Salem witch trials, was hanged at what would become known as Gallows Hill in Salem, Massachusetts. Her execution marked the beginning of a series of accusations, trials, and hangings that would claim the lives of more than 20 individuals accused of witchcraft. The […]
Secretariat Wins the Triple Crown
Secretariat, one of the most celebrated thoroughbred racehorses in American history, won the Belmont Stakes on June 9, 1973, securing the Triple Crown with a record-breaking 31-length victory. This win followed his victories at the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, making him the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. Secretariat’s performance at the […]
Collapse of Ford’s Theatre
A tragic event unfolded on June 9, 1893, when Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C., the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 23 people. The collapse occurred while the building was being used as a government warehouse, and the victims were clerks working inside. This disaster not only highlighted the […]
Jacques Cartier Explores the St. Lawrence River
On June 9, 1534, French navigator Jacques Cartier sailed up the St. Lawrence River on his first voyage to what would later become Canada. His exploration marked a critical point in the European reconnaissance of the North American continent, setting the stage for future French claims in the New World. Cartier’s journeys not only mapped […]
Arrest of James Earl Ray
James Earl Ray, the suspected assassin of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was arrested on June 8, 1968, at London’s Heathrow Airport. Ray’s arrest followed an intense international manhunt that began shortly after King was fatally shot on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. His capture was a crucial development in the […]
NFL and AFL Announce Merger
On June 8, 1966, the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) announced a merger, effectively uniting the two leagues under one umbrella to be fully implemented by the 1970 season. This merger ended a six-year rivalry between the two leagues, leading to the creation of the Super Bowl, a championship game […]
The First Porsche Completed
On June 8, 1948, the first car to bear the Porsche name, the Porsche 356, was completed. Known as “No. 1,” this vehicle was the prototype for what would become one of the most iconic brands in automotive history. The introduction of the Porsche 356 marked a significant milestone in post-war auto design and engineering, […]
Switzerland Opens First Drive-Through Bank
On June 7, 1962, Switzerland introduced its first drive-through bank, a novel concept that provided motorists with the convenience of conducting banking transactions without leaving their cars. This innovation reflected a broader trend towards customer-centric services and efficiency in the banking industry. The drive-through bank model soon spread globally, becoming a standard feature in many […]
Historic U.S. Visit by King George VI
King George VI, accompanied by Queen Elizabeth, became the first reigning British monarch to visit the United States on June 7, 1939. This visit was significant both diplomatically and symbolically, coming at a time of increasing tensions in Europe prior to World War II. The royal tour was part of an effort to bolster Anglo-American […]