On this day: Cornerstone laid for US Capitol
On this day in 1793, the cornerstone was laid for the US Capitol building, by nine Freemasons in full regalia - George Washington among them. The city's quadrants meet here, and the city was configured around the building.
On this day: Pittsburgh Civic Arena Opened
On September 17, 1961, the world's first retractable dome stadium opened in Pittsburgh, PA. Originally built as an opera venue, it also hosted boxing, concerts and other entertainment events - with the roof open whenever the weather permitted. In 1967…
On this day: Malaysia Day
September 16 marks Malaysia Day - celebrating the creation of the Malaysian federation 51 years ago today. Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore formed the new nation, though instability led Singapore to become independent a couple of years later.
On this day: Zond 5 Rocket Launched
On this day in 1968, Russia launched the Zond 5 rocket from Baikonur. It was the first spacecraft to travel around the moon and return to Earth; serving a mainly scientific purpose, the expedition carried two tortoises and assorted insects…
On this day: Newport Transporter Bridge Opened
On September 12, 1906, the Newport Transporter Bridge opened, carrying vehicle and foot traffic across the River Usk. A gondola hanging from the main boom is carried back and forth between two supporting towers. There are less than ten of…
On this day: Ground was Broken for The Pentagon
Mid way through WWII, on this day in 1941, ground was broken for the Pentagon, the headquarters for the US Department of Defense. Thirteen years ago it was targeted as part of the 9/11 attacks and a section of the…
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