World History
1865 – Abraham Lincoln Signs the 13th Amendment
Why it matters: Marked the formal beginning of the end of slavery in the United States, influencing human rights movements worldwide.
1884 – First Volume of the Oxford English Dictionary Published
Why it matters: Became the most comprehensive historical dictionary of the English language.
2003 – Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
Why it matters: The tragedy led to major reforms in NASA safety protocols and space mission oversight.
U.S. History
1790 – U.S. Supreme Court Convenes for the First Time
Why it matters: Established the foundation of the American judicial system.
1862 – First Pacific Railway Act Signed
Why it matters: Launched construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, reshaping commerce and westward expansion.
1960 – First Sit-In of the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro
Why it matters: Sparked a wave of nonviolent protests that accelerated desegregation efforts.