This Day in History

Eiffel Tower Opens

The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and a masterpiece of engineering, officially opens to the public during the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) in Paris, France. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this iconic landmark has captivated millions of visitors with its beauty and innovation, standing as a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.

The First Jukebox Debuts 

On this day in 1889, the first commercial jukebox was installed at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco. This musical marvel revolutionized entertainment, allowing patrons to enjoy a variety of tunes for a mere nickel.

Brazil’s Monarchy Abolished

The monarchy in Brazil was abolished on November 15th, 1889, and the country became a republic. This transition marked a significant turning point in Brazilian history and the end of the imperial era.

Nellie Bly Begins Her Record-Breaking Trip Around the World

Pioneering journalist Nellie Bly embarked on her famous journey around the world on November 14th, 1889. She completed the trip in 72 days, breaking the fictional record set by Jules Verne’s character Phileas Fogg and setting a real-world record for circumnavigating the globe.

North Dakota and South Dakota Become U.S. States

On this day, North Dakota and South Dakota, two neighboring states in the American Midwest, were admitted to the Union as the 39th and 40th states. Their simultaneous statehood is a unique historical fact, and they’ve since become integral parts of the United States.

Nintendo

Nintendo was founded in Kyoto, Japan, starting as a playing card company and later becoming a global leader in video gaming.