This Day in History

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.

Titanic Found

Seventy-three years after it sank to the North Atlantic ocean floor, a joint U.S.-French expedition locates the wreck of the RMS Titanic.