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1989

David Dinkins becomes the first African American to be elected Mayor of New York City.

David Dinkins becomes the first African American to be elected Mayor of New York City.

1967

Carl B. Stokes is elected as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, becoming the first African American mayor of a major American…

Carl B. Stokes is elected as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, becoming the first African American mayor of a major American city.

1949

The first oil was taken in Oil Rocks (Neft Daşları), the world's oldest offshore oil platform.

The first oil was taken in Oil Rocks (Neft Daşları), the world's oldest offshore oil platform.

1919

The first Palmer Raid is conducted on the second anniversary of the Russian Revolution. Over 10,000 suspected…

The first Palmer Raid is conducted on the second anniversary of the Russian Revolution. Over 10,000 suspected communists and anarchists are arrested in 23 U.S. cities.

1916

Jeannette Rankin is the first woman elected to the United States Congress.

Jeannette Rankin is the first woman elected to the United States Congress.

1913

The first day of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, a massive blizzard that ultimately killed 250 and caused over…

The first day of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, a massive blizzard that ultimately killed 250 and caused over $5 million (about $159,243,000 in 2024 dollars) damage. Winds reach hurricane force on thi�

1910

The first air freight shipment (from Dayton, Ohio, to Columbus, Ohio) is undertaken by the Wright brothers and…

The first air freight shipment (from Dayton, Ohio, to Columbus, Ohio) is undertaken by the Wright brothers and department store owner Max Morehouse.

1885

The completion of Canada's first transcontinental railway is symbolized by the Last Spike ceremony at Craigellachie,…

The completion of Canada's first transcontinental railway is symbolized by the Last Spike ceremony at Craigellachie, British Columbia.

1874

A cartoon by Thomas Nast in Harper's Weekly, is considered the first important use of an elephant as a symbol for the…

A cartoon by Thomas Nast in Harper's Weekly, is considered the first important use of an elephant as a symbol for the United States Republican Party.

1861

The first Melbourne Cup horse race is held in Melbourne, Australia.

The first Melbourne Cup horse race is held in Melbourne, Australia.

1775

John Murray (also known as Lord Dunmore), the Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia, starts the first mass…

John Murray (also known as Lord Dunmore), the Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia, starts the first mass emancipation of slaves in North America by issuing Lord Dunmore's Offer of Emancipation, w�

1723

O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort, BWV 60, a dialogue cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach for Leipzig, was first performed.

O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort, BWV 60, a dialogue cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach for Leipzig, was first performed.

1665

The London Gazette, the oldest surviving journal, is first published.

The London Gazette, the oldest surviving journal, is first published.

1962

Eleanor Roosevelt, American humanitarian and politician, 39th First Lady of the United States (born 1884)

Eleanor Roosevelt, American humanitarian and politician, 39th First Lady of the United States (born 1884)

1987

Singapore's first Mass Rapid Transit line opened, with train services running between Yio Chu Kang and Toa Payoh.

Singapore's first Mass Rapid Transit line opened, with train services running between Yio Chu Kang and Toa Payoh.

1934

The first specimens of the tufted jay (pictured) to be scientifically described were collected in Mexico.

The first specimens of the tufted jay (pictured) to be scientifically described were collected in Mexico.

1916

In the congressional elections, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to the United States House of…

In the congressional elections, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to the United States House of Representatives.

1825

Jereboam O. Beauchamp murdered Kentucky legislator Solomon P. Sharp; Beauchamp later became the first person legally…

Jereboam O. Beauchamp murdered Kentucky legislator Solomon P. Sharp; Beauchamp later became the first person legally executed in the state.

2016

Donald Trump is elected the 45th President of the United States, defeating Hillary Clinton, the first woman ever to…

Donald Trump is elected the 45th President of the United States, defeating Hillary Clinton, the first woman ever to receive a major party's nomination.

1966

Former Massachusetts Attorney General Edward Brooke becomes the first African American elected to the United States…

Former Massachusetts Attorney General Edward Brooke becomes the first African American elected to the United States Senate since Reconstruction.