On This Day in History
September 14
Microsoft Releases Windows 95 in China
Microsoft launched Windows 95 in China, marking a significant step in the global expansion of personal computing.
OPEC Founded to Coordinate Oil Policies
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded to unify and coordinate petroleum policies among member countries.
First Successful Moon Probe Launched by Soviet Union
Luna 2 became the first human-made object to reach the Moon, marking a major achievement in the Space Race.
First Ascent of the Matterhorn’s North Face
Climbers Franz and Toni Schmid completed the first ascent of the treacherous north face of the Matterhorn, a milestone in mountaineering.
First Solo Non-Stop Flight Across the Pacific Completed
Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon completed the first non-stop flight across the Pacific Ocean, advancing long-distance aviation.
First Diesel-Powered Automobile Trip Completed
The first long-distance trip by a diesel-powered automobile was completed, demonstrating the potential of diesel engines in transportation.
Alexander Graham Bell Tests First Hydrofoil Boat
Alexander Graham Bell successfully tested the HD-4 hydrofoil, setting a marine speed record and advancing naval engineering.
First Ever Crocodile Farm Opens
The world’s first crocodile farm was established in Florida, marking the start of commercial reptile farming.
First Submarine Launched by U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy launched its first submarine, the USS Holland, marking the beginning of modern naval warfare.
First Public Tram Service Opens in Britain
Blackpool launched the first electric tramway in Britain, pioneering modern public transportation.
The Walrus and the Carpenter Published by Lewis Carroll
Lewis Carroll published *Through the Looking-Glass*, featuring the famous poem 'The Walrus and the Carpenter'.
First Department Store Opens in Paris
Le Bon Marché, considered the world's first modern department store, opened in Paris, transforming global retail shopping culture.
First Recorded Use of Ether as Anesthetic
Dr. William Morton demonstrated the use of ether as a surgical anesthetic, revolutionizing modern medicine.
First Modern Hot Air Balloon Flight in the U.S.
The first successful modern hot air balloon flight in the United States took place, inspiring advancements in aviation.
Guatemala Declares Independence from Spain
Guatemala declared independence from Spanish rule, joining a wave of Latin American countries gaining sovereignty.
Francis Scott Key Completes 'The Star-Spangled Banner'
Francis Scott Key completed writing *The Star-Spangled Banner* after witnessing the defense of Fort McHenry, later becoming the U.S. national anthem.
Napoleon Enters Moscow During the French Invasion of Russia
Napoleon's Grand Army entered Moscow, only to find it abandoned and set ablaze, marking a turning point in his failed Russian campaign.
First Printing Press Established in North America
The first printing press in North America was set up at Harvard College, marking the beginning of printed literature in the New World.
First Known Reference to Zero in India
Mathematician Brahmagupta made the first recorded use of zero as a number, a foundational concept in mathematics.
Founding of the Holy Cross by Saint Helena
According to tradition, Saint Helena discovered the True Cross in Jerusalem, a key event in Christian history commemorated by the Feast of the Cross.