1887: First Groundhog Day Celebrated in Punxsutawney

On February 2, 1887, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, celebrated the first official Groundhog Day, a holiday with roots in ancient traditions. The Origins of Groundhog Day On February...

1737: First St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated in America

On March 17, 1737, Boston became the first American city to celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. St. Patrick’s Day Comes...

Eurotunnel Connects Britain and France

On Dec. 1, 1990, British and French construction workers joined the two halves of the Eurotunnel, physically linking Britain and France for the first...

1970: Rhodesia Declares Itself a Republic

On March 2, 1970, Prime Minister Ian Smith severed Rhodesia’s remaining ties with Britain in an attempt to protect white minority rule. It would...

1970: Jury Convicts Five of Chicago Seven

On February 18, 1970, five members of the “Chicago Seven” were found guilty of inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention. Trial Illustrates Cultural Divide...

1977: 583 Killed as 747s Collide on Tenerife Runway

On March 27, 1977, two 747 airliners collided on a runway in the Canary Island of Tenerife, killing 583 people, more than any plane...

1872: Susan B. Anthony Votes in Presidential Election

On Nov. 5, 1872, 48 years before the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony and a...

1983: Reagan Delivers “Star Wars” Speech

On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan proposed the development of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a space and ground-based defense system to intercept...

1977: Hanafi Muslim Gunmen End Siege in Washington, DC

On March 11, 1977, Hamaas Abdul Khaalis, leader of the Nation of Islam splinter group Hanafi Movement, ended a three-day siege of three buildings...

1839: Dueling Outlawed in DC

On February 20, 1839, Congress passed legislation barring the practice of dueling in the District of Columbia. Fatal Duel Between Congressmen Prompts Ban The passage of...