Helen Keller Graduates from Radcliffe
On June 28, 1904, Helen Keller graduated from Radcliffe College, becoming the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her remarkable achievement shattered prevailing misconceptions about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities and marked a significant milestone in advocating for the rights and education of disabled persons. Keller’s perseverance and success have […]
Route 66 Decertified, Highway Signs Removed
On June 27, 1985, the iconic Route 66 was officially decertified, with the highway signs being removed. Once known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 had connected Chicago to Los Angeles since 1926, serving as a vital path for westward migration, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. By the mid-1980s, the […]
Ebola Breaks Out in Sudan
The first recorded outbreak of Ebola virus disease occurred on June 27, 1976, in Sudan (concurrently with an outbreak in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo). This outbreak marked the world’s introduction to Ebola, a severe and often fatal illness in humans. The virus’s emergence challenged the global health community due to its high […]
President Truman Orders U.S. Forces to Korea
On June 27, 1950, in response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea, President Harry S. Truman ordered U.S. forces to assist South Korea, marking America’s official entry into the Korean War. This decision was pivotal in escalating the conflict into a broader international crisis involving the United Nations. The move was based on […]
Same-sex Marriage Legalized Nationwide in the U.S.
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, ruling that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment. This landmark decision required all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all American territories to perform and recognize the marriages of same-sex couples on the same terms […]
First Item Scanned with a UPC Barcode
The first commercial scanning of an item with a Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode occurred on June 26, 1974, at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The item, a pack of Wrigley’s chewing gum, marked the beginning of an era that would revolutionize the retail industry and consumer behavior. Barcodes dramatically improved the efficiency of checkout […]
U.S. Begins Berlin Airlift
On June 26, 1948, in response to the Soviet blockade of land routes into West Berlin, the United States and its allies began a massive airlift of food, water, and medicine to the citizens of the besieged city. Known as the Berlin Airlift, this operation lasted for more than a year and involved over 200,000 […]
First Rainbow Pride Flag Premieres
The first rainbow Pride flag was premiered at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. Designed by artist and activist Gilbert Baker, the flag featured eight colors, each with a distinct meaning, symbolizing diversity and acceptance. Although the original flag’s design was later simplified, it has become an internationally recognized emblem […]
Korean War Begins
On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea, initiating the Korean War. This conflict drew in not only the Korean nations but also military forces from the United Nations, predominantly the United States, and later, Chinese troops supporting North Korea. The war, which lasted until 1953, ended in an […]
Battle of the Little Bighorn
The Battle of the Little Bighorn occurred on June 25, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory. This engagement, famously known as Custer’s Last Stand, was part of the Great Sioux War of 1876. Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer’s 7th Cavalry was overwhelmingly defeated by combined forces of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho […]