On This Day in History
September 19
First Public Appearance of the Smile Emoji
Professor Scott Fahlman suggested using :-) in online messages, introducing the concept of the emoticon.
Chile Military Coup Led by Pinochet
General Augusto Pinochet formally assumed power after leading a coup that overthrew Chilean President Salvador Allende.
First Flight of the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet Prototype
The Boeing 747, known as the 'Jumbo Jet', made its first flight, revolutionizing commercial air travel.
Second Vatican Council Announced
Pope John XXIII announced the Second Vatican Council, initiating major reforms in the Catholic Church.
First Atom Bomb Tested by the Soviet Union
The Soviet Union conducted its first successful test of an atomic bomb, marking the start of the nuclear arms race.
First Use of the Term 'Computer Bug'
Engineers recorded the first literal 'computer bug' when a moth was found in the Harvard Mark II computer.
First Cannes Film Festival Opens
The first Cannes Film Festival opened, becoming one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
First FM Radio Station Licensed
The FCC licensed the first FM radio station, introducing higher-quality audio broadcasting.
New Zealand Becomes the First Country to Grant Women the Right to Vote
New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote, marking a milestone in global women's suffrage.
First Patent for Escalator Granted
Jesse W. Reno received the first patent for the escalator, transforming vertical transportation in public spaces.
First Successful Typewriter Patented
Christopher Latham Sholes patented the first practical typewriter, revolutionizing written communication.
First Commercial Railroad Opens in Australia
Australia's first commercial railway began operation, connecting Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
First Use of Morse Code in Telegraphy
Samuel Morse demonstrated the use of Morse code, revolutionizing long-distance communication.
First U.S. Railroad Chartered
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the first U.S. railroad for commercial transport, was chartered, initiating the railway era.
First Powered Printing Press Installed in the U.S.
The first steam-powered printing press in the United States was installed, greatly increasing the speed of mass communication.
U.S. Federal Judiciary Established
The United States Congress passed the Judiciary Act, establishing the federal court system, including the Supreme Court.
First Public Library in Europe Opens
The first public library in Europe opened in Oxford, promoting access to knowledge for all citizens.
First Globe Theatre Opens in London
The Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare, opened in London, becoming a landmark of English Renaissance drama.
First Recorded Hurricane in North America
The first recorded hurricane in North America struck a Spanish fleet near Florida, influencing colonial expansion.
First Documented Ascent of Mount Fuji
The first recorded ascent of Mount Fuji was made by an anonymous monk, marking the beginning of its cultural significance.