A Precious Gift: The Hope Diamond Comes to the Smithsonian
On November 10, 1985, the world-renowned Hope Diamond was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., becoming one of its most iconic and popular attractions. This stunning blue diamond, known for its captivating color and storied past, has fascinated the public for centuries. The donation marked a significant moment in the history of gemstones […]
The Rise of a Diva: Whitney Houston’s First #1 Hit
On October 26, 1985, Whitney Houston achieved a monumental milestone in her career when her single “Saving All My Love For You” ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This soulful ballad not only marked Houston’s first #1 hit but also signaled the beginning of a remarkable journey that would establish her […]
The Birth of a Video Rental Giant: The First Blockbuster Store Opens
On October 19, 1985, the first Blockbuster video rental store opened its doors in Dallas, Texas, revolutionizing the way people consumed movies and entertainment. Founded by David Cook, Blockbuster quickly became synonymous with home video rental and played a pivotal role in shaping the home entertainment industry. Its innovative business model and widespread expansion would […]
The Death of Rock Hudson: A Turning Point in the Fight Against AIDS
On October 2, 1985, the world mourned the loss of Rock Hudson, the beloved Hollywood actor who became one of the first high-profile celebrities to die from AIDS-related complications. His passing marked a pivotal moment in the history of the AIDS epidemic, drawing significant media attention and raising awareness about the disease, which was largely […]
The 1985 Delta Flight 191 Crash
On August 2, 1985, a devastating plane crash occurred at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Texas, resulting in the loss of 135 lives. Delta Flight 191, a Boeing 727 en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Dallas, Texas, was struck by an extremely violent thunderstorm. The sudden and intense wind gusts, associated with a supercell thunderstorm, […]
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 […]
Libby Riddles Wins Iditarod
On March 20th, 1985, Libby Riddles made history by becoming the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Riddles defied expectations and harsh conditions to claim victory in the grueling 1,135-mile race, solidifying her place in the annals of sled dog racing and inspiring future generations of female mushers.
Garry Kasparov Becomes the Youngest World Chess Champion
Soviet chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion on November 9th, 1985, at the age of 22. His remarkable achievements in the world of chess have left an indelible mark on the game’s history.
Blockbuster Opens
The entertainment landscape transformed as Blockbuster, the iconic video rental store, opened its doors, ushering in an era of movie nights and cinematic adventures for millions. It became a cultural phenomenon and a beloved memory for movie enthusiasts around the world.
Achille Lauro
Four Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) terrorists hijacked the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro on October 7th, an event that garnered global attention.