1794
U.S. Congress Authorizes Navy
President George Washington signed the Naval Act of 1794, which authorized the construction of six frigates. This act established the United States Navy as a permanent military force.
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All Events
1855
Abraham Gesner Patents Kerosene
Canadian geologist Abraham Gesner received a U.S. patent for a new process to distill kerosene from coal. This invention provided a cheaper and cleaner-burning fuel for lamps, revolutionizing lighting.
1977
Tenerife Airport Disaster
Two Boeing 747 passenger jets collided on the runway at Los Rodeos Airport in Tenerife, Canary Islands. With 583 fatalities, it remains the deadliest accident in aviation history.
1964
The Great Alaska Earthquake
A magnitude 9.2 megathrust earthquake struck south-central Alaska, causing massive ground fissures, tsunamis, and landslides. It remains the most powerful recorded earthquake in U.S. history.
1915
Ty Cobb Steals Home Plate
Baseball legend Ty Cobb of the Detroit Tigers stole home plate for the first of his record-setting 54 career steals of home. This showcased his aggressive and daring baserunning style.